connections with the critters

Anyone who knows me knows that I am very connected to nature and animals. I credit my mother with planting that seed! I love the variety of birds that enjoy my feeders – their songs and chatter, their bright colors, their little birdie personalities. I absolutely love pets – I’m often much more comfortable sitting on the floor playing with critters than I am at a dinner party.

And I feel truly honored to have encounters with other non-domestic animals. I feel that they all have something to teach and communicate, and believe that they are far more connected to the energetic spirit world than we are.

It wasn’t until I took a couple of animal communication classes that I understood how greatly intelligent animals are – far from “dumb”! It’s fun to watch the increase in groups working with healing animals, from the mainstream (veterans working with support dogs) to the more esoteric (healing with horses).

In my own life, I feel ungrounded and disconnected if I don’t spend enough time with animals.

I have one cat (down from three) who I love greatly, but it’s important to me to get dog-hugs often (here's me communing with my friend Patti's kids), and to connect with the birds and squirrels around me.

My own belief is that the God-Force (whatever term you like to use) created this incredibly beautiful earth and the creatures within it. We must respect them as intelligent beings with souls and purposes of their own, just as valid as our own.

How do you connect with the natural world? I'd love to hear from you - comment below!