I wonder if there is any connection of mindfulness or meditation to our practice? From what I gather, it would seem that to find these animals you need to mediate or be mindful of their existence. The conflict I see is people would be missing the point of meditation entirely if they’re trying to find an animal while trying to “free your mind” of distractions. Any thoughts? Inquiring mind wants to know!
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Hi there! I have done some shamanic work in Mexico, where I practiced guided meditations that help one perceive nature in a very organic, effortless, and authentic way. A lot of these meditations and ‘homework’ assignments involve being in contact with elements of nature, like water, earth, and trees.
I found that after those experiences, animals just started popping up in my life—both in and out of meditation—in a serendipitous way. For example, I began finding small spiders everywhere: in the car, at my home… I was even drinking coffee with friends when one of them just landed on my head!
So, I looked up the ‘medicine’ of the spider and found that they symbolize work done with meticulousness, patience, and strategy, and it really clicked with me. At the time, I needed to complete an important assessment involving a million details and numbers. I felt tempted to do it half-heartedly just to make my life easier, but after this subtle nudge from nature, I did it properly.
That’s my experience; my conclusion is that we should try to establish a nurturing relationship with nature. I believe that once that link is created, she manifests herself in our lives
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Wow Yvonne, that’s really fascinating. I love that story.
I don’t know much about spirit or totem animals, but it does make me curious to learn more.
Your experience reminded me of something that happened to me early on in my meditation practice. I remember going through a phase where I felt really open and connected, like there was a noticeable shift in my state. I went for a walk in the woods one day and was just feeling very calm, present, and just bursting with “good vibes”.
Out of nowhere, this dog came running right up to me and immediately leaned in for attention. I was happy to oblige as I love dogs. When the owner caught up she seemed shocked to see her dog happily getting pats from a stranger. She said the dog never goes up to strangers and is usually very shy.
I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but it did feel like the dog was responding to the positive energy I was putting out there.
So while I’m not sure about actively trying to “find” animals through meditation, I do think when the mind settles and the body relaxes, there can be a different kind of invisible connection with the environment/ animals.
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I think you’re pointing at something real, but maybe mixing two different uses of attention.
If you’re trying to find something specific, like an animal, then yes, your attention is being directed toward a goal. That’s a different mode than sitting and letting distractions settle on their own.
But I don’t see them as conflicting. Training attention in meditation can make you better at both. You can focus when you need to, and you can also step back when focusing isn’t helpful.
In practical terms, if I’m looking for something, I’m looking. If I’m meditating, I’m not trying to find anything. Keeping those separate has worked better for me than trying to combine them.
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In the past I have not focused on meditating with my cat Epic Element, but when I am sitting in meditation she crawls onto my lap sometimes while I am breathing and matches my breathing pattern with her purrs. While I lay in meditation she lays on top of me matching my breathing with gentle purrs. I think she is attracted to my calm bliss.
I often focus on becoming at one with mammals of the sea at least I am curious and playful.
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I find it very easy to conjure “good vibes” thinking about animals– my cats, in particular.
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I love cats. I call everyone cats! It’s what we say in Chicago at one time.