animal wisdom

Set an Intention and Watch What Happens. You Will Likely Be Quite Surprised.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2137In the past few weeks I’ve set the intention to be more aware and open to the messages of animals. I shouldn’t be surprised at the ways in which the messages are appearing, but yet, I am.

Yesterday, I walked once again at mid-day with Kylie and Gidget along the wooded trail we walked the day before. I came upon this tree with a turkey feather stuck in a piece of the bark.

I let out a little laugh and wondered how the feather got there?  I suspect someone placed it there. But who knows, right? I don’t recall seeing it the day before. It brought a huge smile to my face as I pondered how it got there.

I didn’t know what type of feather it was at first. When I got home I shared the photo it on my facebook page and asked if someone knew what type of feather this is.  The resounding choice everyone said was that it is a turkey feather.

So I got out “Animal Spirit Guides” to see what Turkey has to offer me for a teaching.

It’s important to transcend the focus on your own needs to consider the greater needs of the whole, such as your family, community or world. (okay, so this absolutely applied for me in regards to family).

You’re about to receive a gift of some sort—material, spiritual, or intellectual—that could be anything from winning the lottery or a simple gift, such as witnessing a beautiful sunset. (today I had tea with my friend Marie and marveled even more what a gift of wisdom she is for me. Her gifts of spiritual and intellectual really spoke to me today).

Perform some act that honors the earth, whether a sacred ceremony or simply picking up trash. (This for me speaks to walking in the woods the last few days with my dogs and taking in the blessings of nature and being thankful for all it has to offer me.  Seeing the turkey feather which was likely tucked into the bark, was a ceremony in its own way by the person who placed it there).

Volunteer your time in selfless service with some organization that you want to support. (cool! I’ve offered two hours of my time to judge at dog Halloween costume this Saturday at one of my favorite places, Bookworm Gardens).

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it utterly fascinating how these messages from our animal friends are so aligned with where I am at in my life – small, beautiful confirmations of living from the authentic place of who I am.

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…and the winner of the book “Saving Simon” is Vicki Wienrich!  Congratulations!  Thank you everyone for leaving a comment on the blog post. I always enjoy so much hearing from you.

Walking (Dog) Meditation

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2130Being in nature is healing medicine for whatever may be troubling your mind — I’m convinced of that. This is what ran through my mind as I took Kylie and Gidget walking in the small woods near our home yesterday.

It really is like a walking meditation soaking in the crisp air, hearing the crunch of leaves below my feet and their paws, and the many smells that float on the wind.

I try to get the girls out for a walk around mid-day as often as possible because I know it is good for them. But how often I’m reminded it is just as good for me.

Just being with these two beings who don’t have an agenda, but to walk with me and enjoy the outdoors, is such a calming meditation. The spirits of animals that help you to slow down. Take in what is important and weave it into our days filled with many to-do’s.

These walks with my two favorite creatures is a gift. A gift of the here and now. A reminder to stay open to their wisdom as a guide to how I wish to live my life.

These four paws, two snouts, and deeply soulful eyes ground me time and time again.

REMINDER:  I’m giving away a copy of Jon Katz’s new book, “Saving Simon: How a Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion.” All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment by midnight cst on yesterdays blog post here. I’ll be picking a winner Thursday using random.org (US residents only).

Me and My Shadow. My Aha! Moment.

Posted by Barbara Techel

me and my shadowI had an aha! moment as I was uploading this photo to edit it. I took it over the weekend while sitting on the deck. I love how you can see my shadow with Gidget looking on.

Gidget loves being with me, but she is also the first dachshund I’ve had that seems more independent. She is content to hang out beside me on the deck and doesn’t need to be in my lap all the time. Frankie and Joie, the moment I sat down in my Adirondack chair, would be at my feet pleading with their dark enticing eyes, “Please pick me up and hold me.”

As I thought about this looking at the picture, it struck me once again how we get the dog we need at different times in our life. I’ve become more independent, content to be on my own, and alone more often. I trust more in who I am and what I need. While I enjoy some social time, I also need lots of time alone.

This is where I am in my life right now. It wasn’t all this way. All those years of being in the “spotlight” with Frankie were times I wouldn’t trade for the world. But I have to say this “inner” work I’ve been doing more of lately, fits me too. Sure, sometimes I’m restless with it, but for the most part, I feel like this is the place I’m supposed to be right now in this space and time.

Gidget is that reflection for me. What a beautiful reminder this photo (and Gidget) is.