animals - our teachers

Those of us that work with animals and apply ethical animal training principles are very fortunate because we get to practise these principles every day, and our teachers, the animals, reinforce us for using life strategies that work.

For instance, we focus on what we want. When the animals do what we want them to do, we consciously reinforce that behaviour.

When the animals do something we don’t want to reinforce, we simply ignore that behaviour. This is not focussing on what we don’t want.

Being intuitive requires presence of mind. When we practise our intuition, we succeed while training the animals – this enables us to become more intuitive.

Being present requires that we breathe and stay calm… A life strategy in its own right.

When we have fun, and are enthusiastic (The word enthusiasm comes from the word ‘the God within’), our training sessions are more productive. More than that, we are simply having fun – playing. Surely that is what life is all about.

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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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