This is one of those days that the communication didn't feel quite as strong and I wondered how much of this my mind was making up. On the other hand, I think it's interesting how we choose an animal to speak with. Many times, I end up speaking with one who I resonate deeply with, almost like we were brought together to help each feel supported or not alone or to see a different perspective related to our own situations. So I wonder if we are choosing the animal or they are choosing us? Today, I decided to speak to Tjena, a sweet-looking greyhound. In her picture, she looked a bit scared or sad, so I don't know how much of that affected my conversation. As soon as I said hello to Tjena, she started howling (over and over) hello back to me. She seemed genuinely happy to see me. "Tjena, you have such an interesting name," I began. "Mommy gave it to me." "Do you know what it means?" I wondered. A brief hesitation, then, "That I'm loved." "Why were you so happy to talk to me?" I was curious. "I thought it would be fun to talk to you," she said. I always like to give them the opportunity to lead the conversation, so I asked, "Okay, so is there anything you feel like talking about?" "I have a toy." "I see one in your picture. Is that your favorite?" "Yes. Others can also be my favorite if I want them to be. But this one smells and feels right." I wondered, "Do you like being a Greyhound?" I hoped my bias wouldn't shape the answer. I always felt that Greyhounds were sweet, gentle dogs, but often frightened and suffering from health issues relating to the racing careers many of them have had. She responded, "Yes, but it's tall and awkward." "I think tall humans feel the same way. But they usually can run fast," I tried to look on the positive side. "I can run fast, but sometimes my bones are achy and my legs are stiff," she said. "I can send some healing energy to you if you want," I offered. "Good!" And then she added, "Ahhh. It's warm. I like it. It works." "I'll keep it coming as long as you need it. There's also a Healing Bowl on the site that is always filled with healing energy. You can go there anytime," I reminded her. <I get a feeling and expression from her that she is feeling loved> Big body. Big heart.A black Scottish terrier keeps popping into my awareness. So I ask if that's a friend of hers. "Yes, we're good friends. We talk about how I'm so tall and he's so short, so we're a good match." Tjena does her best to be upbeat and positive, but I sense a little underlying sadness and ask her why that is. "It's hard being in this body. It gets cold. I don't feel very protected." "Do you have any memory or awareness of choosing this life and this body?" I inquired. "I'm aware that I chose it, but I don't remember why." I sense this is part of her sadness, the not-knowing. She also seems sad because of a sibling she was close to. A brother? I asked, "What do you like to do for fun?" Smelling things seems important to her. I see her smelling dinner as it's cooking, coming over and putting her paws on the countertop or stove to get a better view (one of the benefits of being tall!). I also see her smelling something very far away when she's outdoors near a wooded area. She likes going to the park and seeing other dogs but it feels like she dreads it a bit too because she feels like she won't be accepted because of her awkwardness and size. "Tjena, have other dogs ever made fun of you because of your size?" I asked. "Some have made comments. Nothing really mean. But I'm sensitive." "Yes, it feels like you have a big heart," I acknowledged. It also feels like her vulnerability is not just physical because of her body type, but also emotional because of her sensitivity. "I think I know what you are feeling because I grew up with some of those same fears and concerns," I told her. "But I don't think you're tall," she said. I had to laugh. "No, I'm not considered tall! But sensitive about what others think and always feeling like I'm an outsider." I continued, "Beings like us have the challenge of living among many others who don't get us — yet, we have to find a way to carve out our own place and value in the world." I added, "Do you have a place you feel comfortable and safe?" She thinks of her family and I see her curled up on the end of the bed. I see a fireplace that's warm and inviting. Those are her best times. "Tjena, to me, your value is crystal clear," I wanted her to know. "You're sweet, caring, sensitive to others. You wouldn't hurt anyone! You have a happy, playful, care-free side when you let yourself. You are here to show others that what things look like on the outside make little difference. Your true character, your loving heart, your companionship, the soul who you are inside speaks louder than anything else — to those who can see and hear it. Not everyone can. But I can and so can your family and others." She feels emotional and grateful. And understood. "I wish we could hang out together in-person!" I exclaim. She comes over and nuzzles me without words. "You can do this, Tjena! You are already doing it. But now maybe you'll be able to do it with more strength and awareness." "Yes. Thank you," she says. "Remember the Healing Bowl. It offers some of that strength, too, whenever you need it." "I'll remember."
2 Comments
Angel-Rose Coen
2/18/2017 03:40:54 pm
This is SUCH a sweet conversation, one of my very favorites on this site! Thank you so much for being such a loving, kind, respectful communicator, Josh. :) It's a joy to read your conversations with animals!
Reply
Josh
2/22/2017 04:38:38 pm
Thank you so much for letting me know and for seeing me that way!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
|