Communicate vs. Conquer
Nature and the Animal Kingdom have shown us much in the time of change and quiet.
In this time, we have seen skies clear, animals appear and plants grow in places that were once greatly active. And we are recognizing our interconnectedness with the world around us. The world we live in. The world we are a part of.
If we are only a part of the whole, and we are related to all around us, then why do so many continue to do such harm to those with whom they commune and live? Our people, our animals, our Earth Mother are all waiting for us to recognize this and relate kindly. Why do we feel we need to continue to Conquer?
In my life as an animal teacher, I have learned many things from my animal kin about communicating versus conquering… and all the things I have learned from them have opened my heart to new communication ways with people. So how did that happen? Well, I have tried to eliminate the “old school” ideas about pack mentality and dominance with our pets. Our animals do not need to be dominated. We only need to communicate with them. We start by shifting words… switch alpha to leader, switch submit to defer, switch command to communicate. Our words and word choices come from our perceptions. Our words are reflected in our actions. Gentler words create gentler actions. Change the thought, then the word, and the action (or inaction) can be gentler, smoother, kinder. And in human terms, we can do the same.
When we communicate our desires and thoughts to our pets or people through a kind and gentle communication process, we no longer need loud vocals, and assertive body language. Loud vocals, it’s been said, are needed when hearts are so distant, they can no longer hear the whispers of each other. If we communicate clearly, fairly, honestly, are impeccable with our words and open with our hearts, all messages can get through and we create harmony with not only our pets, but also with people. My greatest awareness of this was when I realized I didn’t need to conquer clients either. Messages of heart are best heard when there is no attachment to the outcome, only a sharing of ideas, and no judgement by teacher to student.
Through these realizations, I became who I wanted to be…open, fair and caring without attachment to being “right”. If we can learn to communicate differently with our pets, isn’t this also a lovely journey in communicating with each other differently? Doesn’t it seem that we can do the same with each other to create a more harmonious brotherhood and sisterhood?
Gentle communication creates the space for hearts to be open.
Communicating with open hearts and listening with open hearts removes the need to conquer…
“There is nothing so strong as Gentleness and nothing so gentle as real strength” St. Francis DeSales