The main definition of a totem as described by Wikipedia is “A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe”. They do come in a variety of shapes and sizes and people use them in all kind of ways.

Over the years I’ve had items I treasured a lot coming from dear friends: the knotted thread bracelet from Dana, the leather messenger bag from my then-girlfriend, a watch, a knitted toy dog, all of them were objects that elevated my mood and state of being. But thinking about them, the cosmic energy these objects carry is actually only a projection. They themselves are just atoms ordered in a particular way so they make cute or useful items, but whatever the objects are, they are just vessels of the energy being transmitted by those people towards us.

I know that what I’ve said sounds like astral mumbo-jumbo, and to some people it is. But as time goes by and I get older (and wiser?) I cannot notice the fact that these reminders actually make us remember the good parts of the people around us, our families, our friends, collaborators, co-workers and neighbours. They are the good examples in life, the force that pushes us forward and which makes us want to become better. They are the help in times of need, the “I know a guy who can do that thing”, they are bringing small pieces of their soul into your life and they make your life better.

Looking at an object that reflects a strong emotional bond, being either a family heirloom or a gift received from your best friend, you are reminded that the world is full of totems, only that they are actually the good persons we have around us. And it’s their energy and their wishes of well-being for us, the realization that we’re not alone on this planet and that we can help each other with whatever we can. Totems are not objects, totems are ourselves, individuals part of a community, a construct where the final result is bigger than the sum of the parts, ideas, skills, knowledge, together our talents empower minds and spirits.