Animals as a Pathway to Source
We all have different ways of connecting with our spiritual core. For some of us, it may be through structured religious observations, often shared in the community of a church or other spiritual gathering. For others, this connection may happen during meditation. Others still may connect with Source in nature. Watching a beautiful sunset or sunrise, walking in a deep green forest, or hiking in a striking desert landscape – all of these can help open a portal for a connection to Spirit.
What do I mean by connecting with our spiritual core? I believe that all humans have an innate need to be a part of something greater than ourselves. Whether we call it God, Source, Spirit, or soul, we all long for that connection. We know it when we have it. Sometimes, it may just be for a brief, almost fleeting moment. Other times, we may be able to bask in it for an extended period of time. Regardless of how it comes about and how long it lasts, the feeling that comes with it is one of utter peace, joy, and love. It’s that feeling we get when we’re completely absorbed in doing something we love. We loose track of all sense of time. We are living in this present moment, to the exclusion of everything else. Anything is possible, and magic can and will happen.
For me, animals have always been an easy way to help me connect with Source. Animals are so much closer to nature then we are, and as such, are much more closely connected with Spirit than most humans. Simply observing an animal can instantly transport me into a state of alignment. Is there anything more peaceful than a sleeping cat? More joyful than a dog playing with his toys? Animals teach us to slow down. It’s during those quiet times when it’s usually easier to connect with our spiritual core. Animals facilitate finding those times for us. They force us to take a break from our busy schedules. Taking a dog for a walk, playing with a cat, these are times when we are forced to step back from our endless to do lists and for a little while, we can allow ourselves to just enjoy the moment. And it’s during those moments that we are reminded of who we really are.
Lovely article Ingrid. For me, it is the ocean that connects me. I find peace in the waves even if they are crashing!
My cats do help me keep sane and find fun in my days though too!
Thank you for this beautiful post, Ingrid. I feel that too, that animals are closely connected with Spirit. I often call my cats and dog my angels, and I truly believe they are in a way. Anya often climbs up on my chest in the evenings while I’m catching up on my e-mail or another task on the computer, forcing me to stop whatever it is I am doing so I can hold her up (she’s a bit big). It doesn’t matter what I am in the middle of, I just can’t set her aside. I sit back and enjoy her company. You are so right about our animals forcing us to slow down and savor the moment.
I’m glad the article resonated with you, Tammy.
Wendy, it sounds like Anya knows when you need a break better than you do
! Amber reminds me to take breaks, too – although her reminders usually involved an empty food dish 
Either way, I can’t say no to her, either.
Love this! Animals are one of my connections to Source. too. I can relate so much…
[...] around animals is also one of the most direct ways to connect with my spiritual core. I wrote Animals as a Pathway to Source in December of 2009, when I was preparing for a book talk on the same topic. Maybe the title [...]
I somehow missed this one the first time around, Ingrid — thanks for mentioning it in your “7 Links” blogs. It is heart-felt, it is true, and it is most definitely a keeper!