If you believe that we are all here for a reason and that there
is learning in every relationship and experience, then you will
understand animal commitment. Animals know innately who
they are meant to commit to. They know what to teach and
learn, and when to let go; and when they are ready to leave,
they do so, either by finding a new family or through death.
Cats particularly will often leave their current owners and
embark on a new journey with a new family.
Humans, on the other hand, are full of attachment to
relationships. Be it to old trauma or to agendas or expectations,
we are often so bogged down that our intuition has no chance of
being heard. Animals know that the more access we have to our
deeper knowing, the easier it is to make a commitment in our
lives. Our human relationships, our connection to what inspires
us, and of course, the animals in our lives benefit. So often,
they commit unconditionally to us, forgiving us over and again,
showering us with love when we need it and showing us exactly
what we need to see.
Many animals never experience the joy and peace of having a
human commit to them unconditionally. It seems only too easy
for us to break a commitment when things start to get
uncomfortable. As soon as their behaviour becomes disruptive,
they are passed along, effectively losing the great possibilities
for teaching and learning in the situation. These animals tend to
shut down, choosing not to connect to a human for fear of being
hurt again. Like so many of us, they find ways to defend their
hearts from further hurt, keeping them disconnected from their
human family. There is so much to be gained by helping them
find healing in this challenging and rewarding partnership, both
for the animal and the human. How many of us can learn from
and heal with an animal who has closed down their heart?
My mare Diva was one such case. For much of her life prior to
our time together, she was without strong human partnerships.
At 2 years old, she was very nearly sent to an auction for being
too strong-minded. Her next owner loved her but never intended
to keep her. At the beginning of our partnership, she made it
quite clear to me that she had no intention of wasting energy
committing to our relationship. Upon working with a healer, it
was understood that she felt worthless, and was not about to
commit to yet another relationship that would soon end. After
taking her aside and telling her plainly that we would be
together until one of us left this earth, she became a changed
horse, full of it to be exact! It was a profound shift. It has been
a very challenging relationship at times, but it has also been one
of the most rewarding of my life.
When we become self aware and understand how our internal
processes work, we start to see that when we feel
uncomfortable with something, it is often an opportunity for
great learning about ourselves. Animals, being some of our
greatest teachers, often challenge parts of ourselves that we
have buried or denied. The value of looking deeply into our own
shadow places as well as our animals’ is priceless to our
development of self. So when I commit to my animals, it is to
their highest good as well as my own. Beginning to understand
the true nature of your commitments to your animals and to
yourself is the first step to strengthening your partnerships. Find
the courage to commit unconditionally to learning and growing
with your animals, even through discomfort. The rewards are
well worth the effort!
Alexa Linton, is a Certified Bodytalk Practitioner, a Kinesiologist,
Reiki Practitioner and an Equine Sport Therapist. Her main area
of interest is in working with animals and their owners to
promote enhanced connection and balance.