ANIMALS CONNECT US

Those of us that are Stronghearts, those of us that allow our hearts to be strong enough to  "feel" for animals, sometimes find that in opening our hearts fully to animals and their emotions it can also open our hearts to other humans. Lately it seems that an extra feeling of division and intolerance between people, especially in the US where I live, has been coming to light.
 
Because of my deep connection to animals and my seeing them as complete equals, I have always had to walk a path of finding a way to connect with people who did not see or understand the world as I do. My way of relating to other humans has always been grounded in the ability to feel compassion & kindness toward animals and friendship has taken root if I can find at least a seed in them that mirrors the love I feel for animals.

Often the seed is there, but has not been watered by having the connection with an animal companion. I have seen many people who maybe didn't grow up with animals (or even harbored a bit of fear of a certain kind of animal, ) whose hearts grew and strengthened once they were graced by the unconditional love of an animal family member. This transformation changes us to the core of our souls. Once open to animals and able to "feel" who they are and the way they love us and take care of us emotionally & energetically, the seed not only grows into a beautiful plant but it also blooms and allows others to see the incomparable flowers. It also begins to extend to other animals outside the family and beyond those species who live with humans as family members.

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When I see someone connecting at this level with their animals, treating them with the level of kindness and respect  that accompanies this type of soul connection, I am able to feel kinship and love towards that person too. This extends to those that have experienced the love even if their companion has crossed the rainbow bridge, or those who perhaps don't currently have an interspecies family, but who find other ways to connect with them, such a protecting and forming connections with wildlife and helping in any way possible.
 
Seeing this seed, watching it bloom into love and gratitude for all that animals so freely share with us, becomes my way of connecting with other humans. It helps me to see them as a being, instead of as their occupation, politics, religion or a combination of personality traits that differ from mine. I am not perfect and don't always succeed but I do notice that if I know someone truly & deeply loves and cares for at least one animal I feel at least the roots of a possible connection sprout.


*The photo is of Perry, my beloved companion who crossed over the rainbow bridge many years ago.