These fierce and majestic creatures usually live in hot climates, but they are known and loved in every part of the world. I love lions and the mascot of Multnomah University, my Alma Mater is also a lion. But I grew up in a cold climate and my memories are filed with snow. I love fresh sticky snow that is perfect for play and sports. As I wanted to combine my favorite images, research brought me to the Snowlion of Tibet.

The Snowlion of Tibet is a mythical creature that possesses qualities of strength and fearlessness as well as grace and compassion. I believe that a counselor needs to be fearless in order to accompany clients in the darkest parts of their stories. And when the clients receive consistent compassion from the counselor, they, too can show compassion and grace to themselves and to others.

The mythical Snowlion of Tibet is also a paradoxical creature as it is described as not flying, but also not touching the ground. I believe that while counseling is the key to healing and growth, we can never achieve perfection. A Snowlion is neither male nor female or are both if depicted as a pair. And this reminds me to remember that life is both joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability, darkness and goodness.