LISTENING TO AND COMMUNICATING WITH ANIMALS AND NATURE

   Listening to and communicating with animals and nature is a vital part of developing a sustainable lifestyle! Much evidence is documented (PETA at the Paris games)about the fact that animals are not listened to and are often abused.

As human beings we are able to see and feel what an animal is attempting to communicate with us. In order to be able to understand what an animal is trying to communicate, first we must take pause and pay close attention to their eyes and to their behaviors. Their pains, needs, and desires are messaging our 'humanity'! If you have a pet or are in any way involved with animals, try to take a moment to stop and look and listen to them. Do this as an intentional daily exercise. Keep track of what you YOU SEE and FEEL from this process.

Nature also communicates with us. For example, take a look at the grass in your yard or in a park and at the varying ways the needs of this life form speaks to you. The color, temperature, moisture, and patterns of growth, are all expressions of need, that are being communicated, yes, even by grass. Bushes and trees are also communicators in similar ways. Their needs are expressed in their leaves and branches, bark and surrounding soil.

This practice adds another dimension to the vital aspect of life called building a sustainable lifestyle. I sincerely hope you will give it a try, it will enliven you and the world around you.