Book of the Month

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected.

CHIEF SEATTLE in a letter to President Franklin Pierce

I found and read the most wonderful book this weekend.  Once I began, I couldn't put it down. Actually, I'd had it for awhile, but put it in one of my folders on my Kindle and forgot all about it.   I've numerous folders for Astrology, Celtic Studies, Shamanism, Fairies and Angels, to name a few. I found this book in my Healing folder, and it is, indeed, all about healing. The book is called "What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Lessons from Wild and Tame Creatures" by Diana L. Guerrero, an experienced animal behaviorist and therapist .  What a fantastic read!

The author discusses how animals can strengthen our own spirituality and increase  awareness of our own caring and healing qualities.  Within each chapter we find examples of animals as spiritual teachers through the use of stories about our animal friends. The chapters lead us through the different levels of spiritual development embodied by animal models and  include:

1. Loyalty of the Dog  
2. Playfulness of the Otter 
3. Power of the Polar Bear
4. Heart of the Lion
5. Call of the Wolf
6. Vision of the Eagle
7. Mind of the Dolphin
8. Wisdom of the Owl

I'd like to share with you a couple of short excerpts from the book.
 From 'Loyalty of the Dog'...

  "William, a homeless man, arrived at McDonald's to get his morning meal. Outside, on a blanket next to his bicycle, was his dog. An American Staffordshire mix, the dog was in good physical shape and was a healthy weight. As William returned to share his breakfast with his companion, the loyalty between them showed, and the mutual love shone brightly through their eyes. I asked William about this life and current predicament. The encounter impressed me, because his relationship with his dog helped William be a better man despite his situation.

William took odd jobs for food and sometimes for money. This particular McDonald's fed him in exchange for his help maintaining the outside area of the restaurant. Both William and his dog slept out under the stars each night because William hated the attitudes of many of the homeless shelter helpers, the threat of theft, and the policy of "no pets allowed." The dog kept vagrants at bay. Inseparable, the two felt at home with the coyotes in the fields and the stars in the sky as their companions..." 

 
And one of my favorites from 'Power of the Polar Bear"...

"Polar bears accept life in a harsh environment by adapting to it.  With strength and stamina, they own their power.  These animals embody a strong sense of self and rely on their instincts. Like polar bears, we can move into personal power, self-acceptance, and confidence.  Accepting our strength taps us into the power of the  Divine." 

This is a wonderful read, and anyone who loves critters will definitely love this book.  This book truly touched me!