Not long ago I met with a dear friend and inspiring woman, Teresa Thomas-
Carroll, Director of MN Women In Networking, LLC. We met at a local coffee shop, had a wonderful time talking and reconnecting. Teresa is a networker and connector extraordinaire, so it seemed only right and synchronistic that as we parted ways, a dog trainer arrived at the coffee shop.
I went over and introduced myself to the trainer, asked if she had time for a short chat. She said she was waiting for a client, but she had a couple of minutes. She then looked at the empty chair, pointed and commanded, “Sit!”
I sat.
We proceeded to talk, yet I became uncomfortable as the conversation progressed. I noticed a pattern evolved: she asked a question, I began my answer, she interrupted, I felt more and more nervous, I sensed her irritation as my nervousness grew.
Was this simply a case of “Trainers are from Mars, Communicators are from Venus?”
She finally asked the million dollar question: “Well, if you’re an animal communicator, why don’t you just tell the animal to knock off their bad behavior and act correctly?”
OK. Lightbulbs turned on in my head when she asked that, and the entire conversation began to make sense to me.
I began to explain about the connection people have with animals, and the opportunity for building relationship that connection gives us. I could see I had lost her; luckily, (for both of us) her client came up to the table. She looked at her client, pointed to the coffee shop and ordered “Go. Get coffee!”
That was a terrific question she had asked me: as an animal communicator, why don’t I just tell the animal to shape up and behave themselves?
It’s a question I’m still processing, but here’s where I am thus far:
To me, animal communication is about relationship, not power over. Relationship is about building bridges, finding connections, finding ways to work together. A stronger, more enduring bond and foundation is built when a relationship is created together.
Power over is about divisiveness which can create fear, disagreement, or hostility between creatures. By it’s own nature, power over infers I’m good enough, but you’re not. You’re inferior to me, I’m superior to you…
When someone commands me to do something, or tells me I “should” do something, I usually dig in my heels and either balk or simply refuse. While being an Aquarius may have a part in that, the much larger part is that I begin to feel diminished and powerless, and I don’t like feeling like that. If, like above, I comply out of what is generally considered politeness, I become nervous and the possibility of creating real relationship is diminished.
I like feeling empowered and respected, and I want to help other creatures feel that way also. In my book, it is now time to create new, mutually beneficial relationships with all creatures.
Harmony,
Janet Roper
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I found this post enlightening. I have taken many of my dogs to different trainers….most with the attitude of the one you “chatted” with. I almost always dropped out. Usually because I could tell my dogs were not having a good time and to me it is all about enjoying life whether you are animal or human. (Which is one of the reasons I free range my poultry…granted they may be picked off by a predator but they sure enjoy their life up to that moment)
I now work with a trainer who is all about what your dog is thinking, and we have been with them for over a year. I feel for the poor dogs that are directed physically and verbally in an aggressive overbearing manner.
Hi Tammy,
Glad you enjoyed the post. I think animals in training learn so much better and completely when they are working with someone who is willing to work in relationship with them. I feel so sorry for the dogs with the choke chains. I have a feeling most people use them because their trainer told them to do that.
I bet your chickens are the happiest of campers!
Thanks for stopping by,
Harmony,
Janet
What a fascinating anecdote. Isn’t it interesting that an autocratic personality chose to be a “trainer.” She may be very good at what she does, but I would expect that her clients (both 2 and 4 legged) are not as happy as they could be. Her method totally negates free choice on the part of the dog. Is it inconceivable that they just might do as we request because it makes them happy to make us happy?
I would expect that many people, and animals, would reflexively resist such an approach whether or not they are Aquarians. I wonder should this woman suddenly gain the ability to communicate would her attitude change?
Hi Debbra,
Welcome and thanks for stopping by.
You covered many good points in your comment. I think people would look at things very differently if they were to begin listening and conversing intuitively with all creatures. The starting point, I think, is simply the awareness that it is possible to communicate on a deeper level with all creation.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Harmony,
Janet
Hi Janet
This is such a great post, I made a little video for youtube along similar lines, a bit about putting conditions on our pets rather than being unconditional as they are. Take a look if you like.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=tF9i2uIQlVo
Thanks so much for all the effort you are putting into animal communication and getting it out there.
Love Michelle
Michelle,
I loved the video – thanks for sharing! I admire how you took the initiative to change yourself, and in changing yourself, Alfie changed! What a great testimony. Alfie looks like one cool dude.
Hugs & Harmony,
Janet