Touching Animal Souls

Loved the little bit of evidence of some monkey business in the cathedral. Stunning old cathedral in Marianhill just outside Durban. A catholic space. I grew up catholic and am now non denominational. Reasons for broken allegiance was when church leaders let me know that the church held that animals had no souls. So today I could not help smile at the respectful footprints left by some monkey visitors. True non-judgemental church goers. My kin❤️

Training requires obedience. It is achievable without consent. It is not why I began working with animals. It was intuitive to relate to animals before I learned the rules. Like airs and graces and social norms distort our authenticity - until we become aware that boxes are for new shoes and not relating to another souls. Of we just ask permission and hear the other, real miracles are possible. It's not about getting the dog to "heel". It's about going for a walk❤️ Most species knowhow to work together. How to be in sync with another is a natural way. We only don't do in sync when we protecting our rightness. When we safe in a relationship we can play and collaborate and work towards something together. Same for animals. Are we their safe space?

My mum passed when I was 23. I never really had the opportunity to come back home to a respectful relationship with her after my teenage rebellious tribulations and assaults on her goodwill. So this blog is to honour and thank her for her contribution to my love for  nature.  She was an avid bird watcher and had dreams of travelling through the bush. I have many memories of her being fascinated by animals on our weekend getaways to the Kruger National Park.  My first memory of her was her riding a horse called Thunder. That is a beautiful memory and the name of the horse is as mystical and awe inspiring as her impact on who I am in relationship with animals.  She was fearless. And always confident that all would be well. She had faith in my animal relationships always. As a very young child I was given the task on many occasions to hand rear orphan wildlife and pets. She never micro managed the process but would offer helpful insight that came naturally to her.  The animals in our home

Shelter guard trust facade Property hard fuss bard Where here always a way Say be, neigh see Allow annoy coy Troy Breakdown frown mourn torn Here now allow bow Arrow shoot suit duet And it is then that i feel and know Between you and me Relative joy or sorrow All that I borrow While I search for me Free done freedom Liberated satiated done with the sun And I lie in the sand and cloud bust Pure Oblivion Cloud busting - intend more of that Be Without apology Like the tree I cannot name That damned me with rotting compost-moist mosquito companions Doing a job Blessed I held my back close against its bark Remarked and marvelled at its faith to stand and grow and thrive and live right here Unapologetic Worthy Unjustified Not right Not wrong Presence alone gentle and constant Enough

 Just love that nature finds a way.  It is testament to the fact that nature is intelligent.  Listened to a talk by Dr Philip Shepherd who is the creator of The Embodied Present Process.  He spoke of how our society has become patriarchal over time and separated us from nature so that we control her.  When working with animals and being able to be completely present, we have all had moments where we connect on a deep level and understand where the animal is at.  Nothing better than those moments.  In the moments where I have felt that it feels like love and is followed by big gratitude.   This pic is a whole group of bats who have found a way to roost in an urban setting.  Long may that connection with us last.  It is cool that nature has not given up on us.  Even though we try control it.

When they judge or throw stones (the people) - grace makes us the blank screen or the still water onto which they can see themselves and take personal account for their actions. When we train animals can we be that clear. So as to wisely be and act rather than contest and fight for what we want🥰