Animals are Natural Teachers and HealersBy Val Heart, MBA, PaCBP
Empathic Animal Behaviorist
"What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected." - Chief Seattle
Animals contribute to each of us and our planet in so many ways. The wild ones keep the circle of life strong, each one contributing in their way to everyone else. The native people knew that in order to stay healthy personally and within their community, they must stay connected with the animals, treating them with respect and honor, listening and learning from them on many levels. We rediscover our connection with the planet and our own Divine nature when we reconnect with other beings.
Our wonderful domestic animal teachers and companions are in many ways our best friends, our partners, the ones who know us better than anyone else. They help us in every way they can, share our life experiences, and continually demonstrate to us what unconditional love really means...
Except when they cause us toil and trouble, animals are very good for our health. Pet owners make fewer doctor visits, have shorter hospital stays and take less medication than folks who don't have pets!
For instance, did you know that dog owners are eight times more likely to survive for more than one year after a heart attack than those who don't have dogs?! And it's not because they are walking their dogs or exercising more either. Increased survival rates are based on owning a dog, not on any other physical, psychological or social factor!
Animals also help with blood pressure problems, arthritis, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease!!
Petting an animal is soothing to mind, body and spirit. We become more focused on loving and being loved which increases mood improving brain chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin. Dozens of studies link higher levels of oxytocin with lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (hormone associated with stress) positive social interactions, increased pain tolerance and faster wound healing.
They can even lengthen life. In a study of nursing homes, when pets were part of the program mortality rates were 25% lower than at facilities that didn't include pets!
Our animal companions can teach us a great deal about health and healing. They are great role models for instance, they ask for what they need, take naps when they're tired, and play. They instinctively know how to survive.
Maimonides, the 12th century philosopher and physician said that "if we took care of ourselves as well as we do our animals we would suffer fewer illnesses." Notice how much you care for and love your pet. Love and care for yourself at least that much. Also notice if you're in some way neglecting your animals. This is also instructive and shows us ways you may be neglecting or mistreating yourself…
Many ancient tribal societies believed that animals could carry the illnesses of their owners. Today animal health care providers see a significant correlation between stressed owners and their sick animals.
Remember that our animals (like our children!) are greatly affected by us, their caregivers. What we do, say, think, decide and feel can rock their world - or anchor it! The better balanced you are, the less stressed they will be. So what may seem to be a problem with them may actually be an issue stemming from their humans or family networks! (For more on this subject, see my TeleSeminar on Barometers of our Souls: Exploring the Mysteries of the Human Animal BodyMind Connection!)
Animals know us better than almost any other being on the planet. They see what's in our minds eye, they feel what we're feeling, and they can get closer to our hearts than anyone else because they get under our defense mechanisms!
Many Angels, Masters and Teachers are disguised as animals - do you know who you are living with?
Other Beings in our lives sometimes serve us by reflecting back to us the lessons we are here to learn. Many companion animals choose to spend their lives attempting to break through our barriers, help us heal and become reconnected with all Life.
They touch our hearts and for that we are forever grateful.
Val Heart, MBA, PaCBP - Specializing in the Human Animal BodyMind Connection, working with chronic pain, illness, trauma, resolving health & behavior challenges for humans & animals. Teacher, Columnist, PaRama BodyTalk Practitioner, seen on TV and heard on radio. Empathic Animal Behaviorist since 1993, offering assistance with Performance, Competition, Behavior, Health, Training, Euthanasia. She offers a free Pet Tips and Newsletter, plus a variety of fun, informative, content rich teleseminars designed to improve your relationships with your animal friends. And be sure and check out Val's Animal Hearts Club! - For animal lovers, only… Go here to learn more: animalteleseminars.com If you can use some help, Contact Val! (210) 863-7928 www.valheart.com or email: AskVal@ValHeart.com
© Copyright 2007, Val Heart & Friends. All Rights Reserved.