5 Tips on Intuitive Communication with Animals

Genuine listening requires that you willingly bear witness to what someone else needs to say while simultaneously sparing them of your own solution, defense, dismissal, alternative reality, rebuttal, counterpoint, comparable story or more extreme example. This kind of listening is a very "active" part to play in a conversation. You have to believe for those moments that none of the things you might say could possibly be as valuable as hearing someone out. You may need to employ every ounce of your strength of character to actually pay attention and not butt-in with your own bit. That kind of attention paid to another is powerful medicine.  - Gil Hedley

The following is an excerpt from my book, Letting in the Dog, Opening Hearts and Minds to a Deeper Understanding. The book speaks to intuitive communication with dogs, but understand that it can also speak to all species.
 
 Before I became an animal communicator myself, my opinion of the practice may be similar to that of many readers. I was open to the idea, albeit with a certain amount of skepticism. I’ve heard stories of people who had employed the services of a professional animal communicator and were amazed. They had been doubtful at first, but the communicator told them things about their animal that they couldn’t possibly have known. They asked, “How could she have known that?” At that point, they became believers.
 
Before I started studying animal communication, I’d never had anyone do a reading with one of my animals. My experience was somewhat the opposite of stories like those described above. In my studies, I began doing readings with my online study group. Upon having the facts from my reading verified by the pet’s owner, I would ask, “How could I possibly have known that?” At that point, I became a believer.

1. Respect and listen
        To communicate intuitively with animals we must engage in active, respectful listening. Active listening is more than passive hearing. It means making a conscious effort to understand the complete message being communicated. Active listening forges positive and respectful bonds if we listen fully by keeping our minds and hearts completely open.
        A good listener is present and attentive. A good listener is does not judge either end of the conversation. Good listeners must trust in what is received. The first thing for a beginning animal communicator to learn is to trust what’s coming through, deciphering the message from the noise, and to refrain from inserting one’s own agenda.
2. Understand
        We need to be in tune with our own energy to be in tune with the energy of others, be they human or non-human. Our thoughts create our reality, affecting those around us and we all too easily project our reality onto others. You know how you can feel your partner’s mood when you walk into the room and how they can feel your mood as well?  We are all connected by this energy. I have a saying about some people or animals…she really fills up a room. It means that they have a palpable energy that everyone feels.
        We’re constantly broadcasting our energy to our companion animals and they are always receiving it. Animals are sending their energy to us and we must be aware in order to get it. For most of us, the more difficult part of the conversation is the receiving. It’s easier to talk than it is to listen, easier to broadcast than to receive.
        Animals (dogs in particular) readily show us that they are listening and observing. If we’re sick, they seem to know and are available to comfort us. When we are sad, they become protective. When we are worried, they will be there for us, acting extra silly to bring us out of our worried state.
        This is good news, but I also see how people stressing about their animal’s ability to read them. People with anxious dogs often blame themselves for their dog’s behavior. They say that if they could only relax, then their dog could relax. While this is true, telling oneself to relax and expecting it to happen, is like telling oneself not to think about zebras. See? You are thinking about zebras.
3. Relax
        To communicate on an intuitive level with animals, we must be calm and we must be neutral. In my readings with my clients, we first do a grounding and clearing meditation. With this meditation, we let go of all tensions, physical difficulties, and busy thoughts. Nothing can pass through a contracted mind or body.  Animals will feel safe when talking to a calm, centered person.
4. Protected
        Everyone needs to feel safe in a conversation. In communication, I want to convey to the animal that they are safe, especially the fearful or shy ones. Once an animal feels safe, they are more likely to open up.
5.  Gratitude 
        In the context of intuitive conversation, gratitude is not just an obligatory thank you. It is a heartfelt, deep appreciation for allowing us in. With wholehearted gratitude, we strengthen the relationship because we show that we value it. We demonstrate that we appreciate those engaged in the conversation.

I hope these tips will help you achieve a deeper connection to your companion animal, and also remember:

Connect with me to connect with your animal!

 

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