Photo by Sierra M.Dennis

The parable of the scorpion and the frog goes something like this:

A frog is sitting, quite peacefully I might add, on the riverbank of his neighborhood village. Along comes a scorpion. Instantly, the frog clinches up, aware of the danger of the scorpion. The scorpion sidles up to him and says, “Can you take me across the river please?” The frog is certain that this is a bad idea. “Why would I want to do that?” “Because I cannot swim and I need to get to the other side,” says the scorpion.
“I cannot do that,” said the frog. “If I do, you will sting me and I will die.”

Now here is the rub. The scorpion says, “Why would I do that? If I sting you then we will both die!” Thinking logically, the frog considers this and decides to go ahead and take the chance on the scorpion. He figures it might get dicey when they reach the other side. He’ll watch the scorpion very carefully and get away from him quickly when they get there. For now though, he considers this a good deed, and is assured that he will be okay.

They start across the river with the scorpion on the frogs back and sure enough, the scorpion stings the frog. As the poison starts to flow through the frogs body and his ability to swim diminishes, they both begin to sink. “Why?” says the frog. As the water takes the two below, the scorpion says, “It is my nature.”
Which are you? The frog or the scorpion? Was it inherently impossible for the scorpion to survive in this scenario? Was it inherently impossible for the frog to deny an act of kindness? In your friendships and relationships which perspective do you lean towards? Isn’t it funny how this dynamic often presents itself in such spaces?

I have known a few scorpions in my life. In fact, I know a few now. Relationships that are as toxic to me as a scorpions sting. The journey for my frog-like self, is to balance kindness with self preservation.

I have known a few frogs in my life. In fact, I know a few now. Relationships where I can be as toxic to them as a scorpions sting. The journey for my scorpion-like self is to balance kindness with self preservation.

What I’d like to suggest is that each side holds the quality of toxicity if not monitored. Being a frog is no less dangerous than being a scorpion. Within each of us lies the ability to be toxic in our relationships dare we not recognize and strive for balance. Equilibrium is required for the sides of our personality to meet our social and spiritual needs. Dare I say that there is an inherent quality of choice here? I am reminded of a quote,

“In each of us, two natures are at war-the good and evil. All our lives the fight goes on between them, and one must conquer. But in our own hands lies the power to choose-what we want most to be we are.”

Conquer is a bit melodramatic perhaps. Good versus evil might be a bit overwrought as well. Yet, “in our own hands,” is key. Truly what we want most is what we manifest.
What do you want most in your life?

Thoughts? Log In and Post a Comment!

Leave a Comment or Question