cuban ballerina like a cat

Tonight I watched a ballet. It was beautiful. There was a 16 year old cuban lass who took the lead and she was absolutely magnificent. When she tip toed onto stage she stole it effortlessly. She clearly loves to dance. It is always so beautiful to see someone do something that they love. When they do, they are completely present in the moment. And her body was ringing out her joy in every muscle. Many of which I am sure I have never even discovered in my body. It was like watching an animal delight in life - like a young foal dancing around the veldt, or a puppy rush around the yard, or a cat take a long leasurely leap up onto a table.
Presence is what we need in relation with animals. People ask me why I do yoga and one of the answers is so that I can learn more body awareness. Because when we are aware of our bodies, we can begin to have mastery over our body language. Like an animal does. Watch as a dog or cat get up after a nap. If they don't have to, they don't rush up. They first take a good long stretch. Ensuring that the flexibility in their bodies sustains them, and perhaps just enjoying the lovely moment of stretching.

How often I am not even conscious that my spirit is inhabiting a body. Too often I am mad at my body rather than nurturing it and feeling the amazing potential that it holds. Another lesson from animals, and the amazing Cuban ballerina. If I put my mind to it, I can do anything - even talk to animals

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What is success?

Success is not giving a hoot. If you can be a 45 year old cat woman playing in front of 3000 people, totally uninhibited, then you are succeeding. Because if you are able to do that, you are in the present moment, not caring about what anybody else thinks. Not worried about their judgements or how you think you should be coming across. (ok, so I was a little worried, so not 100% successful, but I continue to strive to be free of this nonsence) When you have that presence of mind in front of animals, that is when you are succeeding.

A Lesson in Surrender

I always found the concept of surrender a cop out. Something one would do if one was too weak to take on a situation. So, when I found myself in a situation where I am unable to follow my passion in the most effective manner, I experienced great discomfort. Speaking up was immediately taken as judgement. Even though it was never intended as that. The presumed judgement resulted in defence. And the drama began, and unfolded. Chasms and vindication ruled. Frustration and finger pointing. What has this to do with animals? For those of us that work with animals, they are like kids. They sense how we feel. Our moods affect them. So, when this type of angst environment is created, the disturbance affects the creatures that we love. The lesson – stop the angst. It is not worth upsetting the animals. Nothing is. So, surrender. Not sure where this will go. But I am here righ...

cove slaughter

I am saddened and battling to understand people again. The cove dolphins are cordoned off, awaiting slaughter. Some being taken to dolphin facilities world wide. How do people stand there and do this? How do they sleep at night with those decisions in their head? Then again how do we all? Driving to a bird sanctuary yesterday I saw a cattle truck on its way to the abattoir. What is the difference? Then I saw a bearded vulture at the sanctuary. Only 320 of the left in the world and they are planning wind generators in their area – a certain death certificate. Here is a prayer – look into the eyes of an animal. Or a human. See them for the miracle that they are. Then make choices that are respectful and loving. As yourself – What would love do? I am so grateful that I am surrounded by animals. And so grateful that there is no effort required for me to care for them.

Touching Animal Souls

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