The Power of Animals: Healing, Grounding, and Intuition

By Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.

A collection of touching stories, articles and exercises to help appreciate the gifts that animals bring to us. Simple activities and exercises are included with each chapter, to help develop your intuitive connection with the animals around you. Inside you'll find stories on psychic bonds with pets, why animals choose certain people, and the hard decisions about terminating pets when they age or get sick.

Even if you don't have pets, you will find heartwarming stories and experiences that will deepen your appreciation about how much we can learn from animals, about ourselves, and about the world around us. We share a common language, of play- which is universal. Learn how we can reconnect with those deepest aspects of ourselves, and reconnect with the world around us in a healthy and rewarding way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.
• Release date: Jul 27, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476371047

Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.

I read The Hobbit when I was ten- and read the whole series a thousand times over, before I was sixteen. I also read a lot of the classic sci fi and fantasy books. A few years later, a friend introduced me to the books that made me a convert: CJ Cherryh. A list that quickly grew and expanded. After being a lit major/anthropology, I found a deep appreciation in fantasy and sci fi. The combination of entertainment reading, and tackling deep and important issues- I was hooked. In my writing, I draw on my shamanic training and comparative religion, as well as cultural anthropology and medieval history- crafting complex worlds and believable cultures. I draw on all my past experiences- from horse training, to sword-making as well. But mostly, I enjoy playing the “what if” game, and then turning characters loose and watching what happens. The end result is a world that lays just outside our own reality- that just maybe, we can reach one day. Until then, we can share their adventures in the stories they bring to life. ***************************************************************************************************************************************** TJ has done just about everything- from making swords, to training horses, teaching HS, and even a fully initiated practicing shaman. As a writer, she draws on all of her past experiences to create rich and diverse worlds. Her world, of Chanmyr blends fantasy, magic and deeper social issues. And she loves goats! You can find out more about that world and read several free stories at http://tjmuir.com, or find her on her facebook page at http://facebook.com/tjmuirauthor and twitter @tjmuirauthor where you can find out more about her latest writing, and see pictures of her goats!

Book preview

The Power of Animals: Healing, Grounding, and Intuition

Teri J. Dluznieski M.Ed.

Copyright 2012 Teri J. Dluznieski

Smashwords Edition

Introduction

We have domesticated animals for thousands of years. Before that, we have relied on them for survival. As Omnivores, we have had inter-dependent relationships with the Animal worlds- the other peoples/ nations, with whom we share Mother Earth. We are but ONE of her many and beloved children.

We are closer to some of our siblings than others. And just like human families, we have our favourites- some forming closer bonds than others.

We have domesticated many species, from dogs, to fish and birds. Some domestication is for the purpose of agriculture, such as Livestock, others for protection and companionship, dogs, cats. Dogs have long had a symbiotic relationship based on companionship and protection. A dog in a camp, would hear and sense anything approaching long before human ears could detect a sound. Further, their extremely heightened sense of smell could determine friend versus foe more at longer distance, giving humans an advantage- borrowing the benefit of a dogs heightened sense of smell. Small dogs, and cats were vital helpers with the invention of agriculture- controlling rodent populations around home and crops. Some animals such are horses, donkeys etc, have been our beasts of burden, faithfully transporting us from place to place, and carrying our soldiers into battle, tilling our fields for farming, etc.

With the advent of modern technology, from machines, automobiles and chemicals… there is less dependence on animals to sustain our livelihoods, homes and safety. That is not to say they do not contribute to the well-being and evolution of humankind. In fact, it may be more beneficial that animals are no longer perceived as functionaries. One hundred years ago, a horse, or dog, was perceived as property, a tool. They were rarely considered for their personality, spiritual aspects or what they could teach us about ourselves, the world, being better people, and about the universe’s many facets.

We are perpetually learning more about the range and depth of animal worlds: sophistication, social structure and intelligence. Dogs can smell cancer and detect the onset of seizures. Recently, it has been scientifically demonstrated that dolphins possess a complex language with syntax and structure. Perhaps one day we will learn that animals possess psychic skills and gifts that we have previously overlooked or discounted.

What anyone who has had a close relationship with an animal, any animal will confirm, is the very deep bonds we can form across species. Language is universal. We know that the language of play is shared by all beings, regardless of species, race, intelligence or age. It is universal. So at some level, we share a language, a common root.

Animals can help us to reconnect with those aspects that modern culture and society have decreed