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.