8 Tips for Communicating with your Animal

Did you know that anyone can communication with animals? It definitely does not happen overnight and takes time, patience, and lots and lots of practice! Many people think that it is a “gift,” and only for some. That is just not true. It may come easier to some than others, but we all can do it with some guidance and direction. Here are 8 tips for communicating with your animal:

1. Clear and still your mind. Do you meditate? Great…you are ahead of the game. You don’t? No problem. Find a quiet place and relax. Light a candle or incense. Listen to some quiet music or do a guided meditation from YouTube. Slow your breathing and if your mind wanders, bring it back to your breathing. Just try to be.

2. Set an intention to connect. Setting an intention helps your mind and energy focus on what it is you want to achieve. You can send a mental image or thought to your animal to start the conversation. They pick up on our energy very quickly.

3. Always seek permission. Animals are sentient beings with thoughts and emotions. In my experience they are almost always willing to connect. However, it is important to respect your animal’s boundaries and seek consent. Invasive communication techniques will not work. Instead, ask permission.

4. Manage your energy. Before connecting check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Are you stressed, frazzled, tired, hungry, or anxious? Now might not be the best time to try and connect. Take some time for yourself; take a walk in nature, take a nap, do some exercises. Come back when you are feeling more grounded and relaxed. One other thing to consider….. Are you approaching your animal with an open heart? Empathy and compassion are also key to creating a safe space for your animal to share.

5. Be present. Turn off your phone and television. You need to be acutely aware of your surroundings. Practice active listening. Active listening happens when you are paying attention to what is being communicated both verbally and nonverbally. You focus on the content of the message, but also focus on the interpretation of the emotions conveyed through it, along with body language. Messages will be subtle, especially at the beginning. Being free from external distractions will help you focus on what your animal is communicating.

6. Take a none-judgmental approach. This is a hard one! Do not try to impose your human interpretations or judgements onto what your animal is communicating. They do not see the world like we do. Let them express freely; in pictures, words, or feelings.

7. Trust. It is important to trust your gut feelings. What did you see, hear, feel, or know? Animals communicate beyond verbal words with images, emotions, and thoughts. Again, it is important to slow down, trust your intuition, and listen closely to the cues you are getting throughout your body.

8. Practice regularly. Your intuition is like a muscle. You must use it. The more you use it the more developed it becomes. It definitely will not happen overnight. So be patient with yourself. Engage in short regular sessions to start in order to open the channels of connecting.

Communicating with an animal is such a satisfying experience. The language between humans and animals is universal and based in love. With a bit of practice with the techniques outlined here you will be a pro in no time.

Let me know what you discover!