My brother was visiting the ranch yesterday when he pointed past my shoulder and suddenly blurted, “Look!” I turned and saw a coyote. A large one. What was surprising wasn’t its presence—because I’ve seen them in these woods before—but that a nocturnal hunter was visible in broad daylight, sitting in my backyard along the tree line, chewing on a large stick, much like my pet dogs.
We thought the coyote might be tracking something or looking beyond the tree line. As we watched, two smaller coyotes emerged from the woods. Once reunited, the larger coyote led the way toward the creek, with the others following.
For many Native American tribes, the coyote represents the trickster or jokester, symbolizing a balance between wisdom and folly. The Apache view the coyote positively, as one that imparts lessons about hunting and endurance. Magic is often associated with the coyote, but in many tribal stories his magic sometimes fails. Yet even when the magic doesn’t work, the lesson still serves a purpose. The trickster is seen as a teacher who finds easier ways to accomplish tasks, often persuading others to do the hard work.
Observing this coyote in a playful, peaceful stance, waiting for its pack, I considered it might be a parent with its pups. Coyote parents share in raising their young, teaching them both solo and cooperative hunting techniques. They are patient hunters and skilled long-distance runners, chasing prey in relays to conserve their energy. Sometimes, solo coyotes even collaborate with other predators to hunt.
As a new year approaches, I reflect on my plans for growth and learning. Of course, sometimes the best intended plans can be impacted by things and unforseen events, so the lesson of the coyote has me thinking today about my own ability to adapt in the moment.
Questions from the coyote to ask oneself:
Are you taking life too seriously?
Are you making time to enjoy life and find joy in the small things?
Are you complicating something that could be simple?
Is someone in your life being deceptive and playing tricks on you?
Questions from the coyote for managers of teams:
Are you creating a safe space for mistakes?
Are you celebrating the small wins?
Are you encouraging team members to seek help when stuck?
Are you fostering trust within the team to enhance cooperation?