Your pets appreciate and benefit when you’re able to sit quietly with them. They understand everyone wins we stay present and centered in mind and body.

One way to become Present is by practicing Mindfulness, which is a lot easier said than done given our busy lives, endless distractions, and thoughts.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindful.org defines Mindfulness, “as the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

Animals are naturally mindful because they instinctually live in the here and now, not in the past or future like humans tend to do. They are keenly aware of what’s going on around them since their lives depend on it.

Pets absolutely know when humans are overwhelmed and reactive and prefer it when the energy around them is peaceful, calm and balanced.

Why Practice Mindfulness?

Living mindfully is about consciously being in the present moment where the animals live. The more mindful you become, the more aware you’ll be of your animal family’s thoughts and feelings making it easier to communicate and understand your animals’ viewpoints.

Practicing mindful living teaches us how to redirect conditioned responses to prevent overreactions or feelings of being overwhelmed with what’s going on in our thoughts and environment.

Unlike animals, humans have to consciously work at being mindful because we experience 50,000 plus thoughts a day. This endless mind chatter takes us into the past or future, which doesn’t exist for animals.

When our thoughts take over, it’s hard to stay present because our awareness is wherever our thoughts take us which can then be projected onto our animal families.

As humans get lost in thought, pets wonder where we go, especially when our thoughts lead to overaction and projections.

It doesn’t help when we place judgments on our continuous thoughts which takes us even further away from giving our pets our undivided attention.

Animals are incredibly sensitive and aware of what’s happening around them. They feel whatever energy our thoughts project. These projections can be upsetting for animals, especially if our minds take us to intense emotions like anger, fear, or anxiety. Sometimes this leads our pets to react to what’s going on inside of us.

Mindfulness Benefits Your Relationship with Your Pets

Living mindfully is about consciously being in the present moment where the animals live. The more in touch you become with your thoughts, the more aware you’ll become of your animal family’s thoughts and feelings making it easier to communicate and understand animals’ viewpoints.

The goal of practicing Mindfulness is to pay attention to the present moment without passing judgment on whatever thoughts may arise. It’s about learning how to bring your focus and awareness back to the present over and over again.

Some of the many benefits of practicing mindfulness with your pets include providing a safe, calm,  and balanced environment for them to live in.

It’s healthier for you and your animal family’s mind, body, and soul when we are calm and peaceful.

How to Create A Mindful Practice:

Being mindful takes conscious effort to practice. The more you work on being present with your pets, the better. Thankfully, no unique furniture or equipment is necessary to be mindful as you can do it anywhere.

It only takes 5 minutes a few times a day to increase your self-awareness in the moment.

Your animal family will thank and support you when you practice Mindfulness with them.

Simple Steps to Mindful Living:

• Take a couple of deep breaths and slowly let them out.  Feel your feet grounded to Mother Earth. Continue to breathe deeply as you bring your focus and awareness to the present moment.
• As you continue to breathe, observe all that is going on around you in the present moment. Don’t rush. Take your time. Just observe.
• As thoughts arise, let go of any judgments and preconceived notions. Just notice what comes up, then let them go as you allow your thoughts to flow by.
• Continually refocus your awareness onto your breath as you return your consciousness to the present moment.
• Recognize what’s happening around you in the present moment including your thoughts and animal companions. 
• Keep returning to the here and now as thoughts arise.

Repeat the above steps as often as necessary, since being mindful is an on-going process.

For more information about Mindful living, visit Mindful.org.

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–Paul Simon

As I gazed out my living room window on a sunny Sunday morning, a huge bird flew straight towards me. As he got closer to the window, he quickly veered off to the right and landed on my neighbor’s roof.

Curious, I jumped up and quickly ran outside to see what kind of bird it was. At first, I thought it might be a Blue Heron or even a Turkey Vulture, given its enormous body and broad wing-span.

To my surprise and delight, it was my Power Animal, the Red-Tailed Hawk who lives in the open space adjacent to my home. When a Power Animal gets my attention, it means they want to share a message of wisdom.

I first met this particular Hawk several months ago while walking in the open space with my dog, Bodhi along with our good friends Jan and her dog, MacGuyver. As Jan and I chatted and the dogs sniffed about, I spotted a large raptor on the ground no more than four feet away from us happily eating his prey.

Jan and I immediately stopped. We became silent as we watched this magnificent raptor tore apart and ate his supper unfazed by our presence.

Interestingly, the two dogs were oblivious a Hawk was only a few feet away from them because they were all-consumed with smelling the smorgasbord of earthly delights around them.

And before we knew it, the Hawk soared off with the remainder of his food in his talons to a nearby Oak Tree. It was a magical encounter.

From the moment we met, I intuitively knew this particular Hawk was one of my Power Animals.

A Power Animal is a Spirit Guides in the form of an animal, reptile, or insect. Spirit Guides aid humans by sharing their valuable wisdom and insight. Indigenous cultures, like Native Americans, embrace Power Animals as an integral part of their culture.

According to Native American lore, the Hawk is known as “The Messenger.” Therefore, when you spot a Hawk or hear its cries, it means to pay attention because an important message is about to be conveyed. In other words, be aware of the “signs” that are offered.

As the Hawk sat on my neighbor’s roof staring at me, he shared the following telepathic communication:

Greetings, Cathy. Thank you for taking my call by noticing my presence.  

Keep sharing the wisdom of the animals with all those who are willing to hear our cries. 

Animals’ “Voices” need to be heard and honored. 

It’s easy to forget that we are interconnected and interrelated to all species who share Mother Earth together. 

Be gentle and kind with yourself and others as you share our messages.

After conveying his message, the Hawk flew to the top of the lamp post across the street from my house, where we spent a few more moments sharing our hearts together as One.

As the Hawk flew off towards the Open Space, I thanked him for sharing his wisdom and promised to share his musings.

I heard the Hawk replied, “Until we meet again, keep soaring.”

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“Do you talk casually with your pets?” 

98% of the respondents answered “yes” to the question.

When Mindful readers were asked, 

“What’s the hardest thing about having a pet?” 

Two of their top responses were:

• Not understanding what their pets want or need.

• Not knowing what their pets are thinking.

These answers suggest it’s easier to talk with your pets than it is to listen to them. 

Animals want to be heard and understood just like humans.

It’s frustrating for pets when they don’t feel understood. Plus misunderstandings can lead to unwanted behavioral and emotional issues like inappropriate peeing or increased anxiety. A professional Animal Communicator, like myself, can help eliminate these problems by giving animals a “voice” so they can share their hearts and minds. 

Clear, open communication creates a deeper bond with your pets. Mindful listening conveys to your pets how much you love, honor, and respect them which makes them happy, healthy, and more balanced. 

One way to develop Mindful Listening Skills with your pets is to spend at least 5 minutes daily (the more time, the better) sitting quietly feeling all the love you have in your heart for your animal family. Invite your animal family to join you. Sit with this feeling for at least 5 minutes. If you find your thoughts wandering, take a deep breath and gently return your focus back to your heart center.

Doing this simple exercise will open the door to mindful talking and listening to animals.

Are you having trouble communicating with your pets? 

Want to know what your pet is thinking and feeling? 

Empower your pets and make them happy by giving them a “voice” with my assistance.

Email me or use the contact form below to schedule a phone session to talk with your animal family.

The post Do You Talk to Your Pets? appeared first on Cathy Malkin -- Animal Muse Communication and Reiki.

Paralyzed from the Neck Down, Puppy Mill Dog Predicted His Paralysis Was Temporary.

Zac the Keeshond’s tale is about how Animal Communication and Reiki can bring hope to an unimaginable situation. 

His tale shows that animals can predict their recovery when given a “voice.”

Zac’s story also speaks to the strength and resilience puppy mill dogs have to move past their adversity and traumas when they have a loving and supportive “pack.” 

Shortly after Thanksgiving last year, I was contacted by Gregg and Karen B., who were out of their minds with worry about their puppy mill rescue dog, Zac.

Zac the Keeshond A Year After His Stroke

Zac had a tough life before he joined Gregg and Karen’s pack. Born in a horrific puppy mill in Upstate New York, he was rescued when he was approximately 5 to 7 years old.

Can you imagine a dog with little to no human contact for 7 years? It seems inconceivable that 1000s of dogs like Zac endure the same inhumane existence.

Zac’s past has made him skittish and afraid of random things. Yet he is loving, gentle, sweet, and kind. He is courageous especially when he is spooked by his past demons.

Gregg and Karen asked me to communicate with Zac right after he became paralyzed from the neck down due to a stroke. They explained Zac seemed fine after playing with his best friend, Jethro the Labrador, but 45 minutes later Zac could no longer stand or walk.

On his Facebook page. Gregg wrote about how I was helping Zac with Animal Communication and Reiki:

Cathy has helped my pack immensely. I have three rescued dogs, all from different places. As with most rescued pets, limited, none or sketchy (at best) history is available on them. She is so amazing and so very on point. 

Well, right after Thanksgiving last year, this little guy of mine, Zac had a stroke. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He was bright eyed but afraid. He refused food, water, and his medications. If there was any hope my boy was going to survive this, we needed his cooperation with our efforts.

We contacted The Animal Muse–Animal Communicator Cathy Malkin for help.

During the initial telephone conversation with Cathy, we had our dogs in the same room with us. Cathy said Zac was afraid but wanted to get better. He told Cathy he hadn’t lost hope because my wife and I were willing to help him recover. 

Zac expressed with complete certainty, he would recover from his trauma. He was firm that he would regain full modibily and run again. 

Cathy communicated to Zac that if he was going to get back on his paws, he must eat, drink. and take his meds. She also told Zac that carrying him around, assisting him with bodily functions, including walking in a carry handle assisted harness, etc, we would lovingly and happily take care of. 

As God is my witness, within 5 minutes of hanging up the phone with Cathy, my boy started to drink and ate for the first time since being released from the hospital. Plus he took his meds like a kid eating candy!

The Zac Pack

When I spoke with Zac shortly after he was admitted to the animal hospital ER, he told me was terrified. I felt him shutting down and withdrawing emotionally and mentally. He refused meds, food, and water.

Gregg, Karen, and I were afraid he was going to die.

Zac felt he was being abandoned at the animal hospital to die. Even worse, he thought he might be returned to the puppy mill. I reassured Zac that he wasn’t being left. I told him that he’d never be returned to that horrific place. Not now, not ever! I then reiterated he was well-loved and very much wanted.

After hearing from Zac, I asked Gregg and Karen to visit him in the hospital as much as possible to assure him he wasn’t being abandoned by his family and to bolster his spirits.

A few weeks later, Zac experienced a setback in his recovery.

Gregg updated his Facebook friends on Zac’s progress:

We’ve been in touch with Cathy Malkin, who checks in with us to let us know Zac is still very vocal. 

Interestingly, Zac has been more vocal, literally since about a week into this ordeal. He has found his bark, his voice. 

Cathy is our gateway to Zac’s voice. Zac told her he tweaked himself getting up from laying down and judging on when the setback appeared, we think we know when. He said he’s feeling better, and knows he is loved! 

Cathy sent Reiki again for Zac so we’re confident he’s back on the mend.

We will not give up on you little buddy, never not ever!

In the past year since Zac’s debilitating injury, I’ve communicated with Zac and offered him Reiki often. Zac is happy to report he has recovered from his stroke. He’s resumed his daily walks with his Dad and Barkley, along with play dates with Jethro.

Since that fateful day in November 2017, I’ve helped the other members of Zac’s Pack: Griffin (now In Spirit) and Barkley with Animal Communication and Reiki.

Griffin

Gregg shared the following on his FB page:

True to his word, Zac has recovered to about 95% of his pre-stroke condition, and we know without Cathy’s assistance that may not have been the case. 

Since then, we have used Cathy’s animal communicator abilities to assist us with our other two dogs as well. Griffin, also a rescued Keeshond, suffered from seizures and had a huge tumor removed from his liver, and our other dog, Barkley is generally healthy but has become out of sorts since Griffin  passed on 9/11/17 from liver cancer.    

Cathy has spoken to our depressed fuzzy boy, Zac who told us what he needs to help him along. In the past couple weeks, he seems to be doing better. 

Cathy has even communicated with our boy, Griffin who crossed The Rainbow Bridge. 

I can’t say enough about Cathy and her mastery of her power. 

Check out her website, FB page, email her, and/or give her a call. Tell her Griffin, Barkley, Zac, and their dad recommended you call!

Thank you, Cathy, for making The Zac Pack’s life complete! 

Puppy mill dogs like Zac and his pack are my heroes. Their strength, resilience, and willingness to move past their traumatic past is nothing less astounding.

Loving and kind humans like Gregg and Karen are also my heroes. Their dedication to helping their dogs move forward is heartwarming and life-affirming.

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So grab some popcorn and enjoy the picture show. . .

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Grandpa dining on hibiscus

At 106 years old, Grandpa is the oldest animal and living being I’ve ever spoken with. From what I discovered from a brief search on the internet, Grandpa might be one of the oldest living desert tortoises in the world. 

Grandpa has lived with his current person since she was born. Grandpa explained that he raised his person, Carolyn. Carolyn’s mom got Grandpa when he was just a baby. Carolyn “inherited” him when her mom passed away and has known him for 60 years.

Carolyn asked me to talk with Grandpa so she could get answers to some of her questions. She wanted to know how Grandpa was feeling and what, if anything, she could do to make him a happier tortoise.

Despite his grand stature, Grandpa only weighs 9.9 pounds. He enjoys sitting Carolyn’s lap, where he says he feels comfortable and safe. So Grandpa sat on Carolyn’s lap while I interpreted his thoughts, feelings, and viewpoints.

When I began communicating with Grandpa, I mistakenly referred to him as a turtle. Grandpa was indignant and made it crystal clear that he’s not a turtle. So I asked him what the difference was. He said he’s not into swimming or spending time in water except to drink. As a tortoise, he explained, he’s strictly an earth dweller.

After our talk, I googled the difference between a turtle and a tortoise. Grandpa was 100% correct. Tortoises dwell on land only. Turtles, on the other hand, need to live in water, at least some of the time.

Grandpa

The more I listened to Grandpa, the more I found him to be a wise, grounded and loving spirit. He enjoys being gently massaged by Carolyn when he sits on her lap. He also enjoys following her around the yard and house.

I was taken aback by his wisdom, kindness, and his detailed memory. I have to admit I developed a bit of a “crush” on him the more I got to know him. I particularly enjoyed his sense of humor.

Grandpa is also stubborn and determined. Like the time he wanted to come into the house, and no one was around to let him in. Grandpa took matters into his own hands and decided to let himself in by breaking through the screen the door, not once, but twice! 

Grandpa asked Carolyn for a “tortoise door” so he can come and go at his leisure. Carolyn felt adding a door was an easy solution to bring him happiness. Grandpa is one lucky Tortoise!

Grandpa loves apricots.

Before Carolyn could ask Grandpa what his favorite food was, I heard Grandpa declare that “Apricots are my most favorite food in the whole world!” He continued to say that Carolyn wasn’t giving him enough of them.  Carolyn promised to get him apricots as soon as we were done talking. That made him very happy!

Tortoises brumate (hibernation for tortoises) during the winter months. Given that Grandpa lives in Northern California, it’s an ongoing challenge to find an appropriate space that remains cold enough to support his brumation. 

Grandpa felt the garage, in years past, wasn’t consistently cold enough. He also said he didn’t want to brumate in a refrigerator, which apparently some people do with their tortoises. Carolyn laughed out loud when I told her this. We reassured Grandpa that no one would ever put him in a wine cooler!

Grandpa asked if he can brumate behind the toilet this year instead of the garage because the temperature in the bathroom is more consistent. Carolyn felt this was another easy request to fulfill. She’s planning on posting a sign in the bathroom warning people of Grandpa’s presence so as not to startle him out of his deep slumber. 

Grandpa’s cats, Mel and Mick

Grandpa shares his home with two cats, Mel, an orange tabby, and Mick, who is orange and white. The cats are cousins who grew up with Grandpa. According to Mel and Mick, they don’t mind Grandpa, except on the rare occasions when he urinates in the house. The cats can’t stand the smell of reptile urine–it’s nasty. Carolyn couldn’t disagree with her cats.  Other than that, Mel and Mick feel Grandpa is a pretty cool guy and can’t imagine life without him.

According to Grandpa, he still has many more adventures to experience and apricots to eat. He’s a contented and healthy Tortoise who plans on living for many more years to come. Given a few desert tortoises have lived to be 150, Grandpa could end up being the oldest living desert tortoise in the world.

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