5 Ways Series: Connecting to the Animal Kingdom and Its Messages

We are a part of the animal kingdom, we are not apart from it. We are not at the top of the chain, we are in the middle and everything is interconnected around us. We as humans have so much to learn from the animal kingdom. We can learn about our true selves by connecting and listening into the animal kingdom. We can develop a world with more compassion, humility and togetherness by looking to the animal kingdom for inspiration. All of the solutions, all of the keys to a successful community are hiding within the world of animals.

There is no separation from us to them, we only believe there is since we believe that man is the strongest and the leader of all, but this is a false truth. Being able to see the connection and relation between man and animal is being able to see yourself for the first time without ego, without the confides of the mental mind. When you begin to soften, and learn from the animals, you will blossom, you will grow, you will become a better version of yourself but not just for you but for all living things.

In ancient times, nearly all civilizations celebrated and turned to animals for their wisdom and now in modern society; doctors have proven that connection to animals heals depression, loneliness, isolation and many other ailments that humans have. It is time to go back to our roots, a time to look to nature, a time to protect and uphold our ancestry and respect animals once more; since we too are animals.

Go to your window, go for a walk, or simply sit outside in nature; and observe the animal kingdom around you. Watch how the birds fly, watch how the ants gather and carry, watch how the butterflies dance in the sky. Be still, be quiet and simply observe. Do this a few minutes every day; or a few times a week. Make yourself a part of the eco-system by not revealing your presence with loud noises or movements, but rather just calm your breath, calm your mind and watch. See what feelings come-up, what daydreams arrive, and have gratitude for the animals and all they do.

We do not have to be vegan or vegetarian to uphold and honor the animal kingdom, but we do need to respect all that they provide for us. Rather than passively eating meat or buying leather goods; understand this came from an animal and for a moment say a prayer or give thanks for the animal and all that it gives you. Educate yourself about the meat and leather industry, know your facts and decide what brands, companies are most ethically. Do not be naïve and full of ego, understand you are animal as well and wouldn’t you want someone to honor you in your death?

A fun way to connect to animals and embody their wisdom and messages is to work with an Animal Oracle Deck (a superb author for this is: Dr. Steven D Farmer). We can lean into animals to strengthen our weakness, to bolster our healing and to transform our inner wounds. For example; if you struggle with courage and confidence turn to the Lion, if you have issues with change look to the butterfly, if you need help with expressing your true voice embrace the whale. An animal deck can guide you to the animal that may be trying to send you a message.

Writing is essential to all forms of healing, and writing a short story about an animal or more than one can assist you in your connection to the animal itself. Write a short story about how the animal conquers its difficulties, or how the animal overcomes a tragedy, or how the animal finds love. By writing a short story about an animal you are giving the animal a voice, a lesson, a teaching and in-turn you too are growing and evolving with these teachings.

Does an animal continue to show-up over and over in your life? Does an animal come to you in your dreams? Is there an animal you naturally gravitate towards or one you admire? When this occurs, visualize the animal throughout the day and ask it to reveal to you its message, ask why does it continue to come to you. Ask ask ask! Before meditation; call this animal in, and allow the animal to guide you during the meditation, let it take you on a journey and show you its wisdom.

We call upon the earth, our planet home, with its beautiful depths and soaring heights, its vitality and abundance of life, and together we ask that it:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the mountains, the Cascades and the Olympics, the high green valleys and meadows filled with wild flowers, the snows that never melt, the summits of intense silence, and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the waters that rim the earth, horizon to horizon, that flow in our rivers and streams, that fall upon our gardens and fields and we ask that they

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the land which grows our food, the nurturing soil, the fertile fields, the abundant gardens and orchards, and we ask that they

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the forests, the great trees reaching strongly to the sky with the earth in their roots and the heavens in their branches, the fir and the pine and the cedar, and we ask them to

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon the creatures of the fields and forests and the seas, our brothers and sisters the wolves and deer, the eagle and dove, the great whales and dolphin, the beautiful Orca and salmon who share our Northwest home, and we ask them to

Teach us, and show us the Way.

We call upon all those who have lived on this earth, our ancestors and our friends, who dreamed the best for future generations, and upon whose lives our lives are built, and with thanksgiving, we call upon them to

Teach us, and show us the Way.

And lastly, we call upon all that we hold most sacred, the presence and power of the Great Spirit of love and truth which flows through all the Universe, to be with us to

Teach us, and show us the Way.