Elk

The elk is the second largest cervid in North America. Cervid is a family name for mammals with antlers. The elk is much larger than a deer standing up to 5 feet in height. The males have antlers that can span five feet and grow in the spring when they are covered in short velvet fur. The antlers are shed in mating season. Elk dwell in mountainous areas, preferring semi-open forests, mountain meadows, foothills and valleys. They can travel and colonize in new locations to find food. They enjoy shrubs, twigs and leaves. In the winter, elk travel to lower elevations with less snowfall. In the summer, they return to the higher elevations and cooler weather.
The Native Americans honored Elk as their animal ally. It was a source of food for the whole tribe and its skin was used as clothing. As your ally, Elk wants you to have as body that you can be proud of. Do everything you can to build strength and stamina by exercising regularly, eating the right foods and resting enough. Foods that taste good and that are visually appealing have lots of sugar or salt. Eat less of them and more fruit and vegetables that put vitamins and minerals into your body. Fast food junkies who eat a bag of potato chips in one sitting can harm their bodies for life. Good eating habits will last a last a lifetime. Your body will reap the benefits of a balanced diet, as you grow older. "Be good to your body", says Elk. "It is the only one you get in this life".
Stamina, Elk will tell you, allows you to go the distance with your goals. It is built up as you challenge yourself more and more to achieve your goals. Each time up put effort into what you are doing you get a little closer to what you can imagine in your mind and in your heart. Try hard every time with every challenge and problem in life. Maybe you need to swim more laps in the pool to win the big race a month from now. Or maybe you need to develop your will to succeed no matter who you are competing with. Visualize what you wish to achieve, pray for success and do your best. You will stand tall and strong as Elk.

By Ariadne Green