February 21, 2012
Circus elephant
I recently read a book titled “Modoc” by Ralph Helfer which is a true tale about a famous elephant and her beloved human. Both born on the same day, they were twin souls….sharing a life of unbelievable depth. Their story is a glowing testament for “affection training”…a technique that uses kindness, affection and love as a way to not only train animals, but to develop the kind of inter-species bond that is available to us all.
I think the reason animals and humans respond so positively to affection is because it is one of the highest expressions of love. A gentle touch, a warm hug, a soft stroke or a quiet hand on the shoulder speaks louder than any word ever will.
February 20, 2012
Blueberry in the Sunshine
Sometimes inter-species communication is all about keeping it simple. Nothing exotic or extraordinary….just basic understanding of the obvious. Animals usually understand and tell it like it is.
I had a conversation with a Dog Trainer a while ago who wanted to know what was the difference between what he does and what I do. He explained that he has commands, signals and structured techniques for training….and because of his clear communication, his dogs are devoted to him.
I told him I wasn’t sure there was a difference in our styles….it’s all communication in one form or another. Done with the intention of love, kindness and trust, animals know what we mean. The simpler we keep it, the easier it is.
February 19, 2012
Romeo at liberty
A foundation of my relationship with Romeo is our time spent at liberty when he has the freedom to be his own person and interact with me if and only when he wants to….without tack. These times are spent not only in his paddock and in pasture turn-outs, but also during our ‘special time’….. in the safe environment of the small arena. With plenty of room to run, play and experience a sense of independence and joy that is vital to his well-being, we celebrate the bliss of connection.
We start out by playing (this is his favorite part). He gallops, prances, bucks, shows off and exhibits a sense of self that is thrilling to watch. He knows it’s my favorite part too by the overwhelming admiration and adoration which emanates from me as I share in his display. The remaining time we practice companion walking, trotting, cantering, turning, stopping, dancing…..all in unison.
It takes tremendous skill, trust and a deep bond to work at liberty with a horse; it’s not for everyone. But for those who take the time to learn….it is a magical journey filled with profound spiritual wonder.
February 16, 2012
Be The Horse
“You can’t know wisdom, you have to be it.” Baba Ram Dass
Inter-species Communication is similar to wisdom, especially in the way it is described in this wonderful quote. Talking with animals is not so much an intellectual undertaking as it is a state of being. When communicating with the animals in your life, first imagine being them. Step inside their shoes for a moment….imagine their life, their heart, what’s on their mind. See their world from a perspective that is not your own.
Zebra Thoughts
Remember when you were young and it was so easy to think of yourself as a bug, a bird, a dog, a horse, a zebra?
Animals come alive when we see them for who they are.
February 15, 2012
Eye of the Horse
When people ask me if there’s one common communication animals have for their humans the answer is simple: “We are here to help, to enlighten, to love.” I have found the best way to understand the profound insights which animals offer us is to approach them with the attitude of “Please Teach Me.”
It never fails that when I humbly present myself with this kind of open-heart/willing-mind when meeting an animal, I am never disappointed. They are profoundly spiritual beings…. wildly intelligent and remarkably astute creatures who understand humans far better than we understand ourselves.
February 14, 2012
Romeo and Debra
On this evening of Valentine’s Day, I am reminded of what it really means to communicate with our beloved animal companions from the heart. According to the Institute of Heart Math, the heart “is far more than a simple pump…it is… a highly complex, self-organized information processing center with its own functional “brain” that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways.”
Animals are profoundly advanced at hearing the language of the heart. When we speak words to them, (ie: what we consider to be language) they instead hear/sense a language that’s coming from our heart’s internal brain. It’s a form of communication..an intelligence system that is far more complex than we could ever imagine!
This language of the heart is their native tongue. Speak it often and you will find your whole world opening up to bliss.
February 13, 2012
Oscar the King
Our Orange Boy Oscar and our dog Bella have a unique relationship. They love each other but are in competition for the Head Of Household title. One of Oscar’s favorite ways of displaying this is by rolling around on Bella’s bed when it’s unoccupied. He uses obvious body language to mark her blankets with his scent, displaying King of the Family moves and in his own playful way, attempts to engage her if she’s watching.
Oscar Marking Scent
She finds this most interesting but for the most part, non-threatening.
This morning, Bella was on the staircase landing, looking down at Oscar on one of her numerous beds. This particular bed is usually outside on the deck, but we bring it inside when it rains. Steeped in the exotic smells of trees, birds and all things wild, it has the unmistakable aroma of happy-dog-domain.
Do You See Me Now?
Oscar couldn’t resist…all the while watching Bella watch him rolling about.
February 12, 2012
Orchid Sign
I believe in signs. Those unexpected yet greatly appreciated confirmations that all is well and our goals and wishes…our dreams and inspirations are heard. I have found nature to be a constant source of positive signs……when I lest expect it there is a stunning sunset, a beautiful bird at my window, a sky that talks, a welcome rain, the sun illuminating a patch of flowers.
I’ve been nursing along one of my favorite orchids…she’s been dormant for a long time now and I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to bloom again. A few weeks ago, buds started to show….I’ve kept her in the house, near the kitchen sink where the moist air, abundant sunlight and my watchful eye could assure she’d produce her beautiful flowers, knowing that it’s the middle of winter..not the best time for spring-like blossoms.
To my delight and surprise today, there was the first bloom, just beginning to open. It sent my heart aflutter… a beautiful sign of renewal, hope and beauty.
February 9, 2012
Turn out
When asked about ways to enhance the equine-human bond, I tell people about one of my favorite pastimes with my horse Romeo… “Pasture Meditation.” This means that after our walk-abouts or after riding, Romey gets turned out……he has his pasture time and I have my quiet time.
Romeo Watches Me
There are some days when we visit during his turnout. No words are spoken, no expectations are placed…it’s a kind of zen of doing nothing and we both thrive on these moments of peaceful union.
Deb's Bench
There are other days when I relax on my bench, surrounded by the pastures, the sounds, smells and serenity of nature…Romey and I occasionally checking in with each other from a distance. These Pasture Meditations are how we strengthen our bond, practice our telepathic communication and nurture our deep love and respect for one another.
February 8, 2012
Bella and Blueberry
When our dog Bella first came to live with us, she displayed fear-aggression with all other dogs in the neighborhood except one: our neighbors’ Pit Bull “Blueberry” Blue’s nonplussed attitude and her quiet confidence were an instant hit with Bella and they have been best girlfriends ever since.
Their favorite activity is of course playtime. Bella charges around Blue, diving in for bites and growls, while Blue has learned that if she just stands in the middle, Bella will wear herself out running in circles.
Blueberry's Joyful Roll
Blue’s gesture to Bella that the play session is over (or at least a break is needed) is to go into the now torn-up ivy and roll joyously upside down while Bella waits patiently for the signal to go again.
Their friendship is a testament to the wonders of accepting things-as-they-are that dogs (and all animals) thrive upon.
