Animal companions are warm and silent (or not-so-silent) presences in many of our lives. To the degree that we are open to them, our animal companions offer depths of connection and caring that enhance our lives … and our moments … in wonderful and sometimes surprising ways.
Animal companions refresh me!
In the hustle and bustle of your daily life, how often does your dog or cat ask for a moment of your time? Do you brush aside these mute requests or pause and connect?
I find that, no matter what is going on in my day, when I slow down and connect with Molly, Zoe or Alex, I relax and gather myself – and return to my tasks refocused and refreshed. It’s the stepping away and returning that is helpful. Sometimes we humans don’t know when we need to stop; and these so-called ‘interruptions’ from my furry friends are exactly what I need!
Animal companions deepen my moments.
Having a relationship with an animal companion means opening up to wordless connection. When I take time to sit in stillness, breathing in rhythm with Zoe and smoothing her gently, I experience a peaceful depth of connection that calms my mind and expands my heart. There is mystery here, and peace.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~Anatole France
An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber
Be it human or animal, touch is a life-giving thing. Has anyone ever had a stroke or a heart attack while cozied up with a pet? I doubt it. ~Robert Brault
Animal companions offer warm connection.
One of the most amazing things about animal companions is that way that we ourselves receive what we give to them. When I extend my attention and affection to Molly, I am also opening my heart and giving it to myself. Likewise, when I feel like I ‘don’t have time’ to pause and look into Alex’s eyes, I am treating myself with the same brusque and harried energy.
It’s a real lesson in ‘what goes around comes around.’ So as you respond to your cat or dog … it really comes down to how you are willing to connect with and treat yourself.
Do you have an animal companion in your life? What kinds of gifts do you exchange with him or her – and how does it change your experience of time? I’d love to hear!
Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. George Eliot (1819 – 1880)
And if you’d like to learn about the ways that your self-criticism eats up your time and energy … and change that for yourself, here’s something to explore! My new Exercise and Guide Book titled, “‘These Critical Voices Are Driving Me Crazy!’ How to Use Positive Self-Talk to Save Your Sanity and Your Time!” offers proven techniques and practical tips to quiet the disruptive, haunting and hostile voices of self-criticism that we all carry inside.
We really can make conscious choices about the kinds of messages that we give ourselves. This Exercise and Guide Book gives you a step-by-step path to take back your power and quiet the self-criticism that saps your confidence, your energy, and your time.
Don’t let those hurtful voices hold you hostage! Click the link to get started!
Related articles
- Rituals Revitalize, Deepen and Expand Your Energy and Time! (thetimefinder.com)
- Self-Critical Messages: Don’t Let Them Devour Your Time! (thetimefinder.com)
- Transition Challenges: Stay on Track with 3 Timely Tips (thetimefinder.com)
Speak Your Mind