What Animals Can Teach Us about...listening

You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, "My God you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!"
Dave Barry

Animals in the wild survive by paying attention to their surroundings. They are sensitive to changes in the weather, conditions, and to the presence of other creatures.

Pets have been selectively bred so that they can live with man. Amiable qualities keep many in a state of innocence and trust. In What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality I talked about how animals become our confessors. Why is this?

I think one of the best things about animals is that they never fail to pay attention or to listen to what their people have to say. Dogs usually drop everything to greet their owners when they get home. They sit close and listen as their humans ramble on about the day and other such matters. They offer comfort when we are at our lowest.

All animals listen, birds mimic those phrases we wish they wouldn't! Cats purr in response, or might simply turn their ears to get better reception if they don't bother to move.

We can all take note of their example. They simply listen.

I want to challenge you to turn off the television, computer games, and radio and listen to those in your home. If you have traffic as white noise--use CDs with soothing music.

Live the example of the animals and pay attention, really listen to those around you. Try it for a week and see what happens.

What about animal guides?

I don't think I shared the story of an event where I was speaking to a bunch of new age students. During my discussion, one person raised her hand to ask a question. She prefaced it with this story:

We were on vacation in a beautiful lush area and each morning I took the time to stroll and take in the sights. One morning as I ambled down the trail of the forest, I spotted a peacock.

We both stopped and as our eyes locked I felt this deep connection as we gazed at each other for what seemed like ages. Finally, I began to amble down the trail toward him. As I neared, he suddenly attacked me!

Why would he do that?

Today people are so removed from who and what animals are they don't understand animal nature. They vainly attempt to interact with animals and do it in the wrong manner--and disrespectfully.

So, you may be attracted to a creature and aspire to mirror the qualities and traits of that particular animal--or learn from the symbolism of the guide--but the fact remains that an animal is going to be true to his or her animal nature.

This means that the animal is going to attack, run, or behave as an animal! He or she is hardwired for survival in this world--not a spiritual one.

Each year people are bitten, scratched, mauled, or killed by pets, captive animals, or wild creatures. Walking in the woods with a white light around you is not going to help you if a mountain lion sees you limping down the trail--the cougar may see you simply as prey.

The lesson here is to learn from the animal by studying the traits and habits and not to trespass or force yourself on the creature.

Having said that, I thought you might want to take this funanimal spirit guide quiz.