With Valentines
Day on the way, it's a good time to remember
the loves of our lives. It's the time of
year when we're drawn to contemplate the
nature of love, and to show our appreciation
to those we love. How do we show our animal
companions the love and affection we feel?
We dote on them, spoil them with treats,
toys, grooming and spa visits; we dress them
up, cook them special food. We know all about
how we love them. And while
we assume that our efforts are appreciated,
we often don't recognize the love we receive
in return.
Communicating with animals for a living,
I have the opportunity to share in the loving
relationships between animals and their people.
When I communicate with animals, I join them
on their energy frequency, which is another
way of saying that I speak their language.
A question I am often asked is, "Does
s/he love me?" When answering that question,
I find myself translating animal feelings
in splendid detail. Animals communicate with
feelings rather than words. They often talk
about the kinship they feel with their people
- the sense of deep connection. Some animals
feel such love and devotion that it feels
almost romantic. And some are capable of
expressing a deep spiritual love.
When I began studying animal communication,
I was frustrated because I didn't feel I
was able to connect with my favorite cat,
Merlin. I would sit and tune into his energy,
but no words, thoughts or pictures would
come. As I sat with him, my mind would relax
into an overwhelming ocean of love, and I
would just sit there feeling blissful. I
told my teacher: "I don't really get
any messages, but whenever I tune into Merlin,
I am filled with this overwhelming feeling
of love." Although I didn't recognize
it at the time, Merlin and I were experiencing
the most profound form of communication possible.
What is purer than sharing the presence of
love? This is how many of our animals love
us. They are present to us in the moment,
and they invite us to share that moment with
them. Most animals exist in closer connection
to the truth of the moment than their human
counterparts do, since they generally don't
project or worry, and tend to deal with things
as they come up. To be present in the truth
of the moment is to be in love,
quite literally. The deepest spiritual love
is really impersonal. It makes no distinction
between subject and object. It is love simply
expressing itself.
Time and again animals tell me that it is
the quality of a person's energy,
and that person's intention, which
matter most. I hear this particularly when
animals are preparing to leave their bodies.
Their people want to know: "What can
I do?" "Have I done the right thing?" "Have
I done too much?" "Too little?" Almost
always, the answer comes back: "Just
be with me. Be present with me. Share the
time we have left. Keep your heart open to
me, even though my leaving makes you sad,
and trust that all is unfolding as it should."
This year on Valentines Day, when it's time
to show gratitude to the animal loves in
your life, I have a suggestion for you. You
can go ahead and open your wallet if you
need to, but better yet, open your heart.
Spend a few minutes of quiet time with your
pet, just being, in love. |
