animal wisdom

What Does Grace Look Like?

Posted by Barbara Techel

This morning listening to a meditation by Sarah Blondin that accompanies her book, Heart-Minded, I was guided to imagine what grace looks like to me. Once the image was in my mind’s eye Sarah then invited me to feel worthy of that image.

How often it is we don’t feel worthy or worthy of grace, isn’t it? I certainly understand this as it was my journey just a few short years ago and one in which I chronicled in my newest memoir, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

So perhaps it will come as no surprise that the image that came to my mind of grace is one of my dog, Gidget, and the image I saw of her resting in her dog car seat as she lovingly looks over at me.

But today, with this sweet image in my mind, Sarah guided me to a deeper understanding of grace. For me, when that actual moment occurred with Gidget (which happened more than once) while so very sweet, I didn’t recognize the full impact of its meaning then. But I was reminded during this meditation time of how far I’ve come and the teaching Gidget instilled in me.

This moved me to tears because in one way I wish I could have recognized this moment of grace with Gidget when it was actually happening. But you see, this is the gift of Gidget that keeps expanding in my heart even though she’s now been gone for over fourteen months.

My little Buddha Dog, so very wise in such a tiny body, was looking at me in this way because she wanted for me to really see myself – to see what she saw – and to accept that I indeed was worthy – she knew this and she took it upon her sweet and wise knowing self to reflect this back to me often in hopes that eventually I’d come to see and accept this.

There were so many moments of grace with Gidget and the one that will remain forever embedded in my heart is her gift in helping me know that I was always worthy even when I’d lost my way. Now living from this new awareness, I experience so many more moments of grace.

As I was writing this post I was nudged to look up the symbolism of the meaning of the name Gidget which is:

Gidget means Small Girl and is of American origin. … Name created for the main character in Frederick Kohner’s 1957 novel “Gidget, The Little Girl With Big Ideas.”

She was indeed the little dog with a big mission that guided me to feel so much more whole. 

xo,

Barbara

Weekly Oracle Reading: Accepting the Mystery of Life

Posted by Barbara Techel

I was so intrigued by the cards I pulled this week for us! Just click on the photo above to watch and listen to the message and see what resonates with you.

Recently, a client had this lovely thing to say about her reading for herself and her dog, Max:

Barbra’s session for myself and my dog, Max, was absolutely wonderful. Max is an older dog and I’ve been struggling with some of the side effects of aging. In our session, Barbara helped me get a clear perspective on why I was struggling and then helped shift my mindset moving forward. The entire session made it not only easier to accept Max’s aging process but to celebrate his life and find joy in our everyday moments—no matter how they unfold.

~Jessica Paschke & Max

This testimonial reminded me once again of the reading for the week and how we can’t always know what is ahead, but how important it is to lean into our faith and trust that life will unfold exactly as it is meant to be.

For a private reading, you can book a session through my website here.

xo,

Barbara

Today You Pick! Which Animal Has Guidance for You.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Today you pick! Think of a situation/concern you’d like some guidance on.  Then pick the card you are most drawn to – #1, #2, or #3. Today’s cards are from three different animal decks. 

Once you’ve chosen which one speaks to you, scroll down to reveal the card…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARD REVEAL

While each card has a message from the creator of each of the decks, I’m sharing what came up for me as I turned each card over. Perhaps the message I share will resonate and maybe it will be the author of the deck and their insight that resonates, or perhaps it will be both mine and the author’s that will ring true for you and you will see them as working in conjunction with each other. All is good, no matter what! It’s all about feeling into what feels right for you and jumping off from there to expand on how the message(s) will serve as your guide around your particular situation/concern.

#1 Blue Heron (Card from Messages From Your Spirit Animal Guides by Dr. Steven Farmer)

Blue Heron invites you to stand still, appreciate what it is you need to let go of, listen to your own internal guidance, and move forward with intention but thoughtful and deliberate steps. Herons are very much their ‘own bird’ and perhaps there is a message here for you to be more assertive in what it is you wish for your life.

Interesting to note that the back of each of the cards in this deck is the image of a blue heron also. Just an extra nudge to pay attention to the message.

 

 

 

#2 Cat (Card from The Ark Animal Tarot and Oracle deck by Bernadette King)

Cat invites you to curl up in the sun. Give thought to where you need or are wishing to assert your independence. The cat’s tail curled in front of him/her may indicate that protecting yourself as you move forward in your independence is important. While others may have well-intended from the heart advice for you, Cat wants you to remember that you’ve got this. Listen to your own inner compass which will save you in the long run on time and needless stress of falling into the pattern of following the advice of others.

 

 

 

 

#3 Peacock (Card from Spirit Animal Oracle deck by Colette Baron-Reid)

I can’t help but hear in my mind, ‘strut your stuff’ when I see peacock! Or perhaps this is a call to reveal your true colors that you’ve been hiding out of fear. See the light emanating from the center of Peacock? Time to stretch your heart in all directions too. Allow your vibration of light to move out around you in order to attract what it is that you need in order to help serve you in the best possible way.

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Did the card you chose resonate or help in your situation/concern in any way? I’d love to know so feel free to leave me a comment below.

As always, if you’d like additional support, I offer personal one-to-one readings where I  can help you expand on a particular area you feel stuck. The cards are an amazing tool that reveals insight and perspective to help you gain clarity and move forward with more confidence. I also now offer readings for your pet and you!  More info below.

P.S. Just after I finished writing this post I jumped onto Facebook and the first post I saw was a photograph of a flying Blue Heron. Looks like Blue Heron may be my personal messenger today, so I shall have to ponder in that some more for myself.

xo,

Barbara

Just click on either graphic to learn more and/or to book a reading.