Empathy, Kindness and Love Towards Animals

For quite a while now I have been following Plumes, whose real name is Loris Assadian. He is a Frenchman who plays his guitar and sings to wild animals that are in sanctuaries and wildlife preserves, etc. I have seen him sing to lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, elephants, rhinos, emus, camels, horses, donkeys, giraffes, alligators, etc.  He has fast become one of my favorite human beings on this planet. His heart is so beautiful. 

I am not sure what touches me more . . . the kindness, compassion and respect that he exudes as he sings to them or the heart-melting reactions you see from the animals. By the way they respond to the music - clearly there is something very special, very healing in what he is doing.

You can find these videos (most are short - just a few minutes long and there are also compilations that are longer, 10-20 minutes long) on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and maybe even other social media platforms. 

I share all this - not just to encourage you to find his videos so that you can feel more joy in your heart - but also to give some context to the rest of this blog . . . Plumes (Loris Assadian) has just written his first book (in both English and French) and you can pre-order one now. 

Here is information that he just posted yesterday. I want to support him because he is someone who doesn't just talk about concepts like empathy, kindness, love and compassion - he embodies them in who he is and models them in how he interacts with animals. 

His message is one that resonates deeply with my heart so I am sharing about him in the hopes that his book will be able to reach an even wider audience.

About the book - in his words:

I’m so excited to share that my very first book, "Plumes and Rugimodor’s Hill", is coming out! 

Writing this story has been incredibly important to me because I wanted to create a tale that celebrates empathy, kindness, and love towards animals. 

Through this adventure, I hope to inspire readers of all ages to see the world through a more compassionate lens.

The book will be available in both English and French, so even more readers can enjoy the journey!

To make this dream a reality, I need 300 pre-orders for the book to see the light of day. 

If this story speaks to you, please consider pre-ordering your copy and helping bring Plumes and Rugimodor’s Hill into the world.

Pre-order yours today using this link

https://www.dashbook.fr/book/plumes-and-rugimodor-s-hill

And he also shares more about the book here:

The Book's Genesis - in his words:

For several years now, I’ve had the privilege of meeting all kinds of animals. 

Through my songs, I try to create moments of gentleness and to remind 

people that behind every animal lies an emotion, a personality that we do 

not always take the time to understand.

Plumes and Rugimodor's hill was born from that very idea.

Through the story of Rugimodor, a bull whom an entire village believes 

to be dangerous, I wanted to tell an adventure that speaks of empathy, 

listening, and compassion.

This book is also a declaration of love for animals. It invites young readers 

to look beyond appearances and to wonder what the beings around them are 

feeling, whether they have two legs or four.

What readers will find unique about this story is the central role of music. 

The hero does not fight with a sword : he uses a song. Music becomes a 

universal language capable of building bridges where words fail.

I hope this story will make children laugh, dream, and reflect, but above all, 

that it will leave a small seed in their hearts: the desire to always try to 

understand before judging, and to listen before fighting.

Because sometimes, behind the roar of a monster, there is simply a 

father’s love.

I'd Like To Teach The World

 

How many of you are familiar with the song "I'd Like to Teach the World" by the New Seekers? I often wake up hearing songs in my head and this is one of the songs I have been hearing a lot in the last year or so. The lyrics have always touched my heart.

Here are the lyrics in case you aren't familiar with them:

I'd like to build the world a home

And furnish it with love

Grow apple trees and honey bees

And snow white turtle doves

I'd like to teach the world to sing

In perfect harmony

I'd like to hold it in my arms

And keep it company

I'd like to see the world for once

All standing hand in hand

And hear them echo through the hills

For peace through out the land

(That's the song I hear)

I remembered the song from a Coca-Cola commercial when I was a little girl but I didn't know if the song was used as a jingle or if the jingle was turned into a song. For fun, I did a little digging around and found some interesting information. Here is a link for those of you who like to know more about the history of how things came about.

https://www.historytools.org/resources/the-birth-of-id-like-to-teach-the-world-to-sing

Regardless - the lyrics are so poignant for these current times . . . if there was ever a time where my heart was wishing for all these things, it is now!  

And it makes me wonder what would happen if we all held the intention that this will be our new reality.  Our intentions can be quite powerful, especially when they are aligned with our hearts. Even more so when more than one person holds the same intention. Anyone else out there want to see our world shift to this?  As I always say, it can't hurt to try. Who is with me? 

The Right Place At The Right Time

 I believe we are often placed at a specific location at a specific time because our presence is needed there in that moment. I also believe that while the reason may not be something we can see or understand at the time, I trust that it is tied to the bigger picture, part of a divinely orchestrated plan. Over the years, I have had it happen and heard of it happening so frequently that I no long question it. 

Here are a few examples that I feel inspired to share:

A client of mine told me she had witnessed someone getting hit by a car. She rushed to the man's side to see if there was anything she could do for him, but he died before help arrived. She said he was losing blood too fast and there wasn't anything she could do to stop it. 

She felt really sad that she wasn't able to do anything and she wondered . . . if everything happens for a reason, why was she there?  She asked me what I thought. 

My mind and heart were immediately flooded with thoughts and emotions and images. I told her I was sensing very strongly that she was supposed to be there, because the man needed to experience her kindness and compassion before he left this world. He needed to feel the love of her generous heart and know that he wasn't alone . . . that her purpose in that moment was to be there, so that in his last moments on earth he knew that someone cared.  I told her it wasn't about saving his life, but about giving him the gift of love and compassion in that moment. 

She got goosebumps when I told her that and it brought tears to her eyes. I could feel her letting go of the judgement she placed on herself for not having been able to do more for him and she considered that maybe she did do exactly what she was meant to do. 

Another client shared with me that when he was out running an errand, he witnessed a dog getting hit by a car. He immediately pulled over and rushed to see if he could help. A young boy had placed the dog on the open tailed gate of his truck and at first the dog looked lifeless, but then he saw him moving. He had recently become a Reiki practitioner, and while he hadn't worked on anyone but his own animals, he decided to try giving the dog Reiki. He said the scene was chaotic . . . then he observed a young girl, the dog's guardian, came out of the house. My client quickly assessed that it was her brother who had picked the dog up and placed him on the tailgate. Then the driver of the car who hit the dog returned, apologizing profusely for what had happened. My client told me that the brother appeared to be in shock. He kept wringing his hands and running his hands through his hair, unable to do anything else. His sister was on her cell phone frantically trying to find an emergency vet that was opened on a Sunday. 

My client continued to give the dog Reiki while he assessed the situation. He didn't mention that was what she was doing. It probably just appeared that she was making sure the dog didn't fall off the tailgate. His mind was calm and he was thinking through next steps. He thought that if they were going to transport the dog to an emergency vet, they would need to try to keep the dog as still as possible. He asked the boy if they had a pet carrier, he said no. He asked if he had a box they could put the dog in and he said no. She could see how helpless he felt so she suggested he get a towel or a blanket that they could wrap around him. He dutifully went to get a blanket and he seemed relieved to have something to do. My client admitted he was surprised at how calm he remained through the whole thing, as he helped them sort through their next steps, never once getting flustered.

He helped them get themselves and the dog into the car and they left to find the emergency clinic. Later that day, she went back by their house to see how the dog was. They told her that he died from massive internal bleeding. He felt very sad and like my other client, she wondered why she had come upon the scene when he felt he hadn't really helped. He wondered why he had felt inspired to give the dog Reiki, when it didn't help save the dog's life. He wondered what the purpose of his being there was, when in his mind, her presence hadn't made a difference. 

I could sense right away that his purpose was to be a calm and loving presence, not just for the dog, but for the humans as well. I could feel how his presence helped the brother and sister stay calm and how his gentle guidance helped them tremendously when they were feeling so afraid and overwhelmed. I told him that Reiki can bring an animal great peace, which was probably exactly what the little dog needed at that time. I could also see how his presence helped everyone, even the man who had hit the dog, since he was able to corroborate his account of what happened and probably put his mind at ease. 

He was in the right place at the right time to help all of them in ways he hadn't realized he helped them. As with my other client, his gift was being able to share his love and support at a time when it was really needed. 

Another client of mine told me a story once about witnessing a cat that had been hit by a car while she was out jogging. Without even thinking she immediately ran over to the scene and noticed that everyone seemed to be in shock. The lady driving the car who had immediately pulled over was crying but also unable to do anything but mumble something about the cat seeming to come out of nowhere. There were multiple other witnesses standing around plus people who had come out of neighboring houses to see what was going on. As she recounted the experience, she mentioned that it seemed like everyone was paralyzed / frozen. She said "Does anyone know whose cat this is?" A couple people slowly nodded by didn't move. 

She said that it was like someone took over her body and she began giving people "assignments" . . . directing people. She asked the "head nodders" to go to the guardian's house and see if she was home, she asked the lady who had hit the cat to start writing her information down so it could be given to the cat's guardian, she asked who had a box that was big enough to transport the cat to the emergency vet, etc. One by one, she assigned people a task. They all seemed relieved that someone had "taken charge" and gave them a way to provide help in that moment. When the guardian came out of the house, she was understandably extremely upset. My client didn't think she would be able to drive to the emergency vet so she said "Who can drive her?" and immediately one of the neighbors raised their hand. Fortunately in this case, the cat's life was saved.

I know these are dramatic examples and the first two resulted in death so I hope my tender hearted readers aren't too upset by this. I share this because I think it is important for us to remember that our reason for being where we are at any given moment may not be obvious right away or may not result in the outcome we were hoping for but I trust that there is usually a higher purpose for why we end up being where we are. Maybe at some point in the future we will understand what that purpose was but even if we don't, it can be helpful to consider that there was a reason.

Choosing How We Will Respond

It's probably no surprise that I hold the belief that we should treat all living things with kindness and respect. I guess it kind of goes hand in hand with being an animal communicator and an empath. Yet I am still delighted when I receive a sweet little piece of confirmation that my approach is appreciated.

Many years ago, I was sitting at the kitchen table, working on my laptop when I heard what sounded like yelling outside the house. Kino heard it at the same time as me and began to bark. With his barking drowning out the commotion, I couldn't distinguish exactly what the sounds were so I got up to look out the kitchen window.

Much to my disappointment I saw three kids bothering a crow that was on my front lawn. They were flapping their arms and lunging towards him aggressively, while yelling "Caw Caw." When they got close to him, he flew up over my house. I felt so bad for the crow. I don't ever like to see anyone (human or animal) be teased or frightened and I knew I needed to say something. 

I'm not going to lie - I DID have the thought that I'd like to run outside and yell at the kids for being unkind to the crow but I knew doing that was just going to create more negative energy and likely not change their behavior. I decided the best thing I could do in that moment was speak to the crow.

Walking out the front door, I got to the edge of the walkway where the driveway begins but couldn't see him anywhere. I had no idea if he was still around but I hoped that he would be able to hear me and I began speaking to him. I told him that I was very sorry he had been treated that way and I hoped he knew he was always welcome in my yard.

I questioned for a moment whether or not I was crazy to talk to a crow that may be long gone but then I heard a sound above my head. When I looked at the top of the garage there he was, walking to the edge of the roof line so I could see him. He looked at me for a moment, with what felt like a complete recognition of what I had just said. Telling him again that I was sorry about what happened, I reminded him that I appreciated his presence and hoped that he was ok. After a few more seconds of intense eye contact, he turned around and flew off the roof of the garage. 

Satisfied with the outcome, I went back inside the house and explained to Kino what had occurred. It made me realize how well the situation illustrated the very thing that many people have been grappling with lately - which is around the importance of focusing on what we CAN control when a situation causes us to feel frustration.

In that moment, what I DID have control over was speaking to the crow and showing him some kindness and respect.  Coming from my heart in that conversation, the energy I put out was more positive and loving, which is an energy I would prefer to be in and around.

The experience highlighted something that feels even more important today than when it first occurred - We all get to choose, in each moment, how we are going to react and respond to things.  

Are we going to respond loudly and aggressively to people who are being loud and aggressive? Or can we find another way to respond? Will we focus our energy on complaining about what we think other people should be doing differently - when it likely won't have any impact on the person? Or put our attention on something / someone who could benefit from some kindness.

I'm certainly not perfect in my responses but I do know that each time I can respond from a place of love instead of judgement, kindness instead of frustration, I feel much more peaceful inside. 

In recent years, I am even turning that kindness towards myself . . . for instance when I am in the car and another driver does something that startles me or nearly causes an accident. Rather than complain about the person's awful driving (which they aren't going to hear anyway), I now offer myself kindness, reassurance and some words of encouragement. It may sound a bit crazy but it has helped me immensely - as it can move me out of adrenaline rush and into a state of calm rather quickly.

We always have a choice - and we get to decide in each moment what we want to focus on and how we would like to respond. Just a little something to keep in mind . . . :-) 

What Are You Focusing On?

 It is my belief that as long as we hang on to our differences to such a degree that we don't like other people or we blame them for what's happening in the world, we can end up perpetuating those types of experiences. Conversely, if we can accept that others hold a different view or belief and focus instead on what we DO agree on or what we DO appreciate about each other, we can have relationships that are much more peaceful and freeing.

This blog I wrote a few years back offers some more thoughts on the options we have to navigate the road ahead. There might be some nuggets in here for you to ponder on.

Some of my best friends from college and I were sharing our most favorite song at that particular time and while I was writing the previous blog post, a response came through from one of them mentioning U2's "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" which couldn't have been more perfectly timed for what I was writing.

My other friend said that his current favorites were both by Cody Jinx . . . "Hippies and Cowboys" and "Somewhere in the Middle" . . . I laughed and said "So basically songs about the 3 of us?" 

From our original gang of eight close knit friends, I have remained the closest to these two guys. Our friendship is just as strong now (maybe even stronger) than it was back then. Interestingly enough for as long as I can remember, the three of us have held different positions on a lot of things . . . . whether it was politics or religion or the music we listened to. As an example, one of us would only listen to country music, one of us would only listen to alternative music, one of us was willing to listen to both . . . One of us was a hardcore Catholic, one of us was a semi-present Catholic and one of us was raised without any religion at all. And yet, it didn't stop us from being really close friends.

While reflecting on our connection, I've realized how much things have shifted over the years. Where we used to argue and debate our stance back in the day, we've moved to a place of accepting that we have differences and it doesn't stop us from appreciating each other and the friendship we share. If we DO talk about those topics, it is usually with a desire to understand where the other is coming from, rather than looking for an opportunity to pounce and tell the other one why they are wrong. 

I've also been fascinated to observe that we've often changed positions over the years. The one who wouldn't listen to country music now loves it and the one who would only listen to country music now listens to a whole variety of music. The one who was raised without any religion ended up converting to Catholicism, while another one has moved away from religion completely. There is a fluidness to it all. I can see that nothing is ever cast in concrete and we shift and change when we want to, not because we got beat down by the opinion of others. We are free to keep shifting and changing who we are. Granted, the three of us aren't perfect so occasionally we slip back into old ways and tease each other over a difference here or there but the majority of the time, we allow for those differences to be there.

The reason I am sharing all of this is because I can sense that this is something that will help us all navigate the road ahead. As long as we hang on to our differences to such a degree that we don't like other people or we blame them for what's happening in the world, we can perpetuate those types of experiences. As long as we ridicule and shame others for their beliefs, the more unhappiness and upheaval we will likely experience . . . and the more difficult it will be for everyone on the planet.

Conversely, if we can accept that others hold a different view or belief and focus instead on what we DO agree on or what we DO appreciate about each other, we can have relationships that are much more peaceful and freeing.

It's important to remember that accepting is not the same as agreeing. We don't have to all AGREE on every single issue in order to have a respectful relationship. If we can accept that we are going to have differences and focus instead on what we have in common, where we have shared beliefs or shared hopes for the future, it will go a long way toward shifting and uplifting our relationships. If we are able to accept that everyone is on their own journey, learning and growing in their own time and their own ways, the opportunities for peace and building bridges can present themselves even more rapidly.

I feel blessed that these two guys are still in my life. Regardless of where we are different, I know that any interaction we have is going to include a ton of laughter because we seem to bring out the best in each other when it comes to wit. I also know that no matter what, we will always show up for each other because we see each other with our hearts first. 

We have that choice every day. To use our hearts to help us see. To use compassion to help us connect. To hold space for others who are on a different path. At least for me, taking that approach makes life a whole lot sweeter. 

A Gift Idea For The Holidays

Last year, I shared a post about my book possibly being a great option for people on your holiday shopping list. Since it is that time of year again, I am refreshing the blog and posting it again (with new links, additional reviews, etc. Plus it is also now available as an ebook).

It seems like the perfect time to put out a plug for my book - Lucky For Me, A Journey of Healing and Self-discovery. Given that many folks are doing their holiday shopping right now, this might be the ideal present for folks on your list (Or even a nice gift to yourself)  :-) 

Is there anyone on your list who is:

- A huge animal lover?

- Adopted a dog that was abused or has some emotional issues?

- Wanting to learn more about the deep connection that is possible with animals?

- On a healing path of their own (physical or emotional)?

- Wanting to find themselves and discover who they truly are? Or what their purpose is?

- Looking for ways to love and accept themselves more fully?

- Wanting to better understand themselves and their innate gifts?

- Deeply sensitive and struggling with their sensitivity from time to time?

If so, Lucky For Me could be the perfect gift for them this holiday season. 

Where To Purchase the book:

The book is available two ways - in paperback (via the publisher) and as an ebook (via Amazon)

Here is a link to the publisher, if you would like to purchase a paperback copy of my book:

https://riversanctuarypublishing.com/shop/lucky-for-me/

Here is a link to Amazon, if you would like to purchase the ebook:

 Buy e-book edition

Book Summary:

From the time Maureen was a little girl, all she wanted was a German shepherd. Then one day she is inexplicably drawn to a news story about a shepherd puppy that had been used in a dog-fighting ring and then heartlessly discarded in a dumpster. Was this the German shepherd she was meant to have? An adoption lottery could answer that and change her life in unimaginable ways.

Lucky For Me takes us deep into the lives of Lucky, the severely abused German shepherd and Maureen, her adopter. Assuming the role of rescuer, Maureen set out on what felt like an insurmountable mission to help Lucky heal from her physical and emotional wounds. Along the way she was catapulted into her own healing journey. Will Lucky and Maureen be able to overcome the obstacles that life has dealt them?

Maureen gives us an honest and introspective look at their quest to regain their confidence and find their way back to whom they are meant to be. As they endeavor to accept, heal and free themselves from the past, Maureen realizes how disconnected she has been from her true self.

While attempting to answer the question “Who am I?” pieces of the puzzle begin to reveal themselves in synchronistic and magical ways. Discovering the hidden gifts in her extreme sensitivity and empathic nature, Maureen’s bond with Lucky grows even stronger and more powerful. As the process of self-discovery unfolds, a new way of life emerges—one that finally feels like home.

Lucky for Me is a true story about second chances and new beginnings. It follows Lucky and Maureen as they navigate the ups and downs of the somewhat rocky terrain, which eventually leads them to self-acceptance and self-love. Ultimately, their inspiring adventure shows us what is possible with love, courage, forgiveness, and trust.

Reviews:

To give you a better idea of the content, from the perspective of other readers, and to help you decide who on your list might really enjoy this book as a holiday gift, below you will find some reviews of my book:

Wow. All I can say is wow! I finished Lucky For Me (by Maureen Burkley) on the plane a few weeks ago. The most PERFECT ALIGNMENT OF TIMING is indescribable. I don’t remember when I got the book and started reading it, I’m a slow reader lately and I read in small chunks and then I pick it up again, but I feel like each time I picked it up, that each part I read served me so perfectly during that particular time.

Since we never had a dog, I have learned so much about dogs from this book. But the most interesting part, the book also made me think a lot about life…

As I got to the end, reading about Lucky’s last year, last few months, down to last hours AND after her transitioning …….. I can’t even describe how meaningful it was for me – and things I felt for Maureen and Lucky and for MYSELF at the same time, interwoven together.

With each part of the book I read, it was like being there and being here and having a NEW understanding for the criss-cross points. I was able to begin to feel what Maureen felt AND see how those things connect to things unfolding in my own life right now.

I was able to understand Maureen’s decisions points, where they come from, and marvel at their relationship, at the end, not only had Lucky taught her and us so much, but ….compassion…. wow, compassion!! The place where compassion comes from!! Our wisdom. Our intuition. And the light and joy and peace that come with it.

I feel so much reverence for Maureen and Lucky. I thank her and Lucky both for how I was able to take what I was reading and connect it to my own life, my own journey in such a powerful way. Lucky is still teaching!!! Your pets are still teachers even after they are gone.

Zhanna Kozar

**********************

I just finished reading Lucky for Me by Maureen Burkley. It’s not often that I find a book I can’t put down. From start to finish, the author’s candor and vulnerability are truly remarkable. I was drawn into her world in a way that made me feel as if I were right there alongside her and Lucky.

Burkley’s writing style captures her journey with Lucky, a dog who endured a tragic early life. As the story unfolds, the author discovers that many of the challenges in her own life intersect the hardships she is so lovingly working to heal in Lucky’s, leading to lessons that are deeply intertwined. The book goes beyond the surface of a simple rescue/feel good story, revealing a bond that transforms into a profound friendship full of love, patience and mutual teaching.

What struck me most is the spiritual lesson woven throughout the narrative, a subtle yet powerful message that some readers may miss amidst the ups and downs of life portrayed in the book. I won’t spoil the “aha!” moment for future readers, but I can assure you this story is beautiful and inspiring. One that could easily be read again.

I highly recommend Lucky for Me to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. It’s a book I’m eager to share with friends, and I’m sure it will resonate with many.

Forrest Cambell

**********************

Like the boy on an expedition who seeks wisdom by attending to omens in The Alchemist, author Maureen Burkley listens intently to signs she receives from Lucky, her adopted German Shepherd. What she learns couldn’t help but propel her on a quest for personal healing and self-discovery. 

Searching to understand the root causes of Lucky’s illnesses, Maureen gingerly and lovingly assists her companion in overcoming deep-seated traumas. Through the unraveling of Lucky’s knotted wounds, Maureen shows us how we can be alchemists of our own pain and transform whatever shackles us from being our best selves. 

Lucky For Me is an intimate portrait of two friends who discover when one of us evolves, everything around us evolves. The hard-earned lessons Maureen imparts throughout her story are poignant and timely, told with extraordinary honesty and regard for the reader. This is not only a must-read for animal lovers, but for anyone who could use a reminder of the preciousness of every life.

Paula Francis – author “Ten Pair Of Shoes”

******************

Maureen Burkley has written a book that any dog lover will find engaging, instructive, and transformational. Her experiences gained from adopting an abused and traumatized puppy greatly illuminate the canine/human relationship. And in doing so, illustrates the profound connection and exchange of learning that is possible between a person and any living creature. 

Maureen’s journey with her German Shepherd, Lucky shows how approaching a challenging task with self-awareness and openness leads to profound discovery and healing growth. The story presents a lesson in compassion while revealing insights and training methods that made me a more loving and responsible dog parent and gave me clues about my own mental-emotional patterns. As a specialist in Emotional Intelligence, I found the book to be a consistent primer threaded with behavioral practices and keys to personal awareness that span the spectrum of relationships. Curiosity, openness, and compassion open us to deeper connections and reveal new paths. And it’s just a great dog story!

Steve Whiteford – Applied Emotional Intelligence Consultant 

*****************

It has been a long time since I resonated with and was moved by a book. “Lucky For Me” resonated with me and I was definitely moved by it. As a longtime dog lover and parent, I truly believe that dogs have souls. It is truly a gift to have a special emotional connection with an animal. They save us and we save them. Thank you for saving Lucky and I am glad she was able to help save you as well.

K.C.

****************

Maureen's book is so inspiring and very interesting to read. She showed so much strength and perseverance during her special journey with Lucky. There is so much of her heart and determination to help Lucky with her challenges. You truly see the power of unconditional love.  The connections Maureen made to guide her were almost unbelievable or magical since many came in strange ways and at just the right time.  

So many stories in the book that I could relate to or felt the same way at times. While reading her book it triggered many of my own memories. My favorite stories were her many fun times with Lucky. Although Lucky had some struggles she never gave up either and actually help to guide Maureen on her path. Lucky brought so much joy to so many people of all ages.  They were such gifts to each other and also to so many people, myself included.

Maureen's book taught me several things that could help me in my life as well. 

L.B.

**************************

A Video Podcast To Learn Even More:

For those of you who would like to listen to / watch a brief (35 min.) podcast about the book, I am also providing a link to the podcast that my friend Steve Whiteford and I did about Lucky For Me. 

Maureen's interview with Steve

Waking Up

I had to use an alarm to get up earlier this week, which brought up another round of grief for me. Since Kino and I had a special "arrangement" for the days I needed to use an alarm and this was the first time I had to do that without his assistance, I had to process another aspect of his absence.

Because of my sensitivity to energy, I don't have electronics in my bedroom and because of my sensitive nervous system, I try to avoid being woken up by any kind of jarring noise. Given all of that - Kino and I partnered on how to wake me up when it was necessary for me to get up early.

For all these years, this is how it worked: I set the alarm on my phone (with a song instead of a beep) and then I'd leave the phone in the kitchen (which was the opposite end of the house from the bedroom). 

When the alarm went off, Kino heard it, not me. LOL What I WOULD hear was the pitter patter of his feet as he excitedly ran up and down the hall, followed by him licking my face. It was the sweetest way to wake up . . . so I wasn't looking forward to having to do it without him this morning.

When I set the alarm the night before (with a little bit of dread), I decided to plug the phone in closer to my bedroom so I was more likely to hear it. Fortunately, I WAS able to hear the music at my "wake up time" and much to my delight the song that played was Crystal Blue Persuasion. So instead of focusing on Kino's absence and having another wave of grief come through, I got to hear these lyrics instead (I think he had a hand/paw in this):

Look over yonder

What do you see?

The sun is a-rising

Most definitely

A new day is coming (ooh, ooh)

People are changing

Ain't it beautiful? (Ooh, ooh)

Crystal blue persuasion

Better get ready to see the light

Love, love is the answer (ooh, ooh)

And that's all right

So don't you give up now (ooh, ooh)

So easy to find

Just look to your soul (your soul)

And open your mind

Crystal blue persuasion, hmm, hmm

It's a new vibration

Crystal blue persuasion

Crystal

Blue persuasion

Middle Names

As those of you who have read my book know, Lucky got a middle name at the insistence of the precious kids we played with at the park all the time. (They even came up with a list of "suitable" possibilities for me to choose from.)  It was the first time I had ever given a pet a middle name but I rather liked finally being able to answer the question "What is Lucky's middle name?" - which I think every child we ever met asked me. haha

The funny thing is that it didn't dawn on me for years (after she officially became "Lucky Rose") that my great-grandmother on my mother's side was named Rose and my dad's sister in law was also named Rose. And my mom was known around the neighborhood as "The Rose Lady" because of her extensive rose garden . . . none of which the kids at the park knew. (Filed in the "Things that make you go Hmmm" folder)  

So, when I gave up my title as "foster mom" with Kino and officially became his adoptive mom, I knew right away that I would need to find just the right middle name for him.  

I didn't pick the name Kino - it was the name that was written on the paperwork when he was surrendered to the shelter. Since he already seemed to know his name I never considered changing it. I didn't know the origins of his name at the time but it reminded me of a couple boys I knew when I was younger named Kimo and they were both Hawaiian so I thought maybe we could find a Hawaiian middle name for him. 

I remember so vividly having Kino at my feet that day as I sat at the dining table with my laptop. After explaining that I wanted him to help me select his middle name, I pulled up a website of Hawaiian names and began reading them out loud. I read each possibility following his name so he could hear how they sounded together, in case that helped him make a choice.

After what felt like hours (but was probably more like 10 minutes - LOL), Kino still hadn't shown an indication that he liked any of the options. I wondered if maybe he didn't understand what we were doing so I explained once again that I wanted him to help me choose his middle name. About 5 minutes later, I said "Kino Kealohalani" and his head popped up, followed by extremely strong eye contact with me. I said, "Is that the one you like?" 

Wanting to be sure, I continued to read some other options from the list of Hawaiian names. Eventually I circled back to "Kino Kealohalani" and once again, boom!  He looked right at me and held his stare. I took that as confirmation that he had indeed just made his selection.

After looking into the name further, I learned that the name means "The brightness of heaven" or "The love from heaven." It is hard to describe the feeling I had when I saw the meaning of the name . . . it was like a confirmation that he was brought into my life for a reason and that I had made the right choice to become a "foster failure" and keep him. (Even though my choice to adopt him was less about falling in love with him and more about worrying he would be put down if he didn't have a super conscientious adopter because Kino had some aggression issues that if not properly managed could get him in a lot of trouble). 

Nonetheless, I DID end up falling in love with him and even though it was extra work over the years to make sure he was never in a situation where he could bite someone, I never regretted the choice I made. A big part of that was the meaning of his middle name, which many times over the years gave me goosebumps just thinking about it. He showed me countless times and in countless ways that he was my "Brightness and Love from heaven." 

The funny thing is, I didn't find out until later that it is typically a name for a girl but who was I to question Kino's choice.  :-)  I am sure he had a good reason for it. Years after that, while chatting with someone from Germany, I learned that Kino is actually the short form of "cinematography" (in German). It gave me quite a chuckle that his name was German not Hawaiian, yet it also feels divinely orchestrated that I didn't know any of that the day we chose his middle name. 

While Kino and I had a very different relationship than Lucky and I did, our connection and bond were just as strong. The significance of the things he came to teach me were just as important. The love we shared was just as powerful. I told him every night when we were getting ready for bed that he was my best friend in the whole world and I meant it with all of my heart every time I said it.

One of the many things he taught me was to love him (and myself) for who we WERE - not who we wished we could be or hoped we would be - to just fully embrace the idea that we deserved to be loved for exactly who we were. 

He also taught me about the importance of having JOY in my life. He made it his mission to bring me joy every day (his goofy antics could fill a book!) and I found myself constantly looking for ways to bring HIM joy as well. Even though our years together came with a long list of challenges, he never stopped finding ways to make me laugh. He was most definitely my little "Joy-Bringer."

My dear Kino Kealohalani, my brightness and love from heaven - I hope you know how much I love you and miss you! 

Decision Day

Many years ago I brought Kino, the German shepherd I was fostering, to the beach to sit in peaceful reflection, tap into my intuition and figure out if I was ready to let him get adopted or if he was going to stay with me. 

Truth be told, he had a ton of issues with prey drive, reactivity with other dogs, reactivity with strangers, not trustworthy around kids because of his reactiveness, etc. and none of those were traits of my "dream dog." He was even "redirecting" when he was in flip out mode, which means he was biting ME in the midst of his reactive meltdowns because I was the one holding the leash and the only one he could reach. I had become a bit fearful of him, yet there was another part of me that was very fearful that if anyone else adopted him, he might likely "get himself in some kind of trouble" and end up being put down. I didn't know how to reconcile the two sides.

That "decision day" ended up being the most miserable and non peaceful day I have ever had at the beach my entire life - LOL.  I tried just sitting quietly with him - away from everyone else - but Kino became unhinged each time an off leash dogs charging at him . . . and that seemed to happen non-stop. Literally, dogs coming out of no where, even though we were well away from everyone else at the beach that day. I tried walking him along the water's edge. Turns out he hated the water (or was incredibly afraid of it) and he bolted toward dry land every time the water was about to touch his feet . . . which means I got thrown to the ground unexpectedly several times. It gave the expression "Pound sand" a whole new meaning to me. We are talking the worst of the worst days for both of us.

I finally gave up trying to enjoy being at the beach. It also seemed like a waste of energy to attempt to tune into my intuition so I decided to just call it a day and head home. Yet as I stood at the bottom of the stairs at what was once my favorite beach, trying to figure out how I was going to get UP all those stairs with a completely over-stimulated, dog reactive 90 pound pup, when dogs wouldn't stop coming DOWN the stairs, I reached my limit.

Bursting into tears, I cried over every aspect of the whole day. I had seriously never felt so horrible after a trip to the beach. As I sat there, crying and trying to calm myself down, so that I could calm Kino down, a guy named Steve who used to see me there with my previous German shepherd (Lucky) was suddenly standing a few feet away from me. 

Being the kind soul that he was, he asked about the tears and inquired if there was anything he could do to help. After telling him all of the above, he looked at me and in the most matter of fact tone he said, "I can't think of anyone better to help him than you."  I stared at him blankly, as I attempted to blink tears out of my eyes. Did I hear him correctly?

It took a while but Kino and I eventually made it up the stairs and to the car. The whole drive home, I couldn't stop thinking about what Steve said. Something about the fact that someone who barely knew me seemed to think that Kino belonged with me had really stopped me in my tracks. 

It got me thinking about the fact that in the Reactive Dog Training classes Kino and I had been attending, the instructor kept forgetting he was my foster dog. She said more than once, "It just feels to me like you two belong together so maybe that's why my brain doesn't remember that he is your foster dog." 

My mind wouldn't stop churning the whole drive home. Was I really considering keeping him when I had just had the most miserable beach day of my life? Was I really going to adopt a dog who had bitten me more than once? Apparently the answer was yes because I called the rescue group when I got home and I told them I was going to keep him.

The truth was that deep inside, I think I already knew he was supposed to stay with me. Was it nice to get confirming "nudges" from the guy at the beach as well as the instructor of the Reactive Dog class? Absolutely it was . . . and yet they were just helping me see / tune into what I was already feeling myself. 

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Kino's 11th birthday. It is hard to believe so many years have passed since I became a "foster failure."  It doesn't feel like it has been that long thus I find myself constantly "recounting" the years to figure out how old he is. I truly cannot imagine my life without him. He is such a love bug with me now.

In so many ways he still acts like a puppy . . . pulling my hand towel off the towel rack and rubbing his face all over it is still one of his favorite things to do. ha ha  His level of giddiness and excitement over new toys and new squeakers being put into old toys is still at an all time high. 

Is he still reactive - yes, to a lot of things. Is he still reactive to other dogs? Not all dogs but he certainly still "reacts" to the majority of them. Does he like getting his feet wet? Nope. He never did become a "beach dog."  He and I are ok with that though. I have come to realize that it is about loving him for who he IS - not who I wish he was . . . which is a wonderful reminder to continue to love myself for who I am, at every stage of this "game."

I am sharing all of this as an invitation to keep listening to yourself. While it can be wonderful to have the input of others to reinforce or confirm what our heart and soul are already telling us . . . I believe it is really important to keep tuning into our own feelings so that we hear those "clicks" of confirmation / validation when they come along.

We may also need to consider that things might not "look" like we thought they would, so it can be helpful to be open to the possibility that the "answer" our soul seeks may look a little different than we expected. It could be that our soul path is not the "easiest one" yet maybe it is the most rewarding one. (which of course I share with the gift of "hind-sight")  LOL  

I continue to receive confirmation that the more we stay true to our own heart and our own soul, the better . . . so I encourage you to keep taking time to listen to YOU as much as you can. Keep allowing the trust you have with yourself to grow and become stronger.  It can make the "clicks of confirmation" even louder when we are standing more firmly in our own "knowing."  In addition to that, I have a strong feeling that it may also assist us in other ways that we haven't yet imagined.

My Love Of Music

Anyone who has spent time around me knows how much I love music . . .  and they also know that I am notorious for singing the wrong lyrics. haha  I'm not sure why that is but I seem to misunderstand song lyrics more than your average person and then I sing the wrong lyrics so loud and proud that friends are often hesitant to inform me of my errors. 

It has happened for as long as I can recall, so it has been an ongoing joke with family and friends for decades. Usually when I find out what the correct lyrics are, I nod my head and I think to myself, "Well, that makes a whole lot more sense." :-) 

For that reason when I saw this meme, it of course gave me quite a giggle - although I will say, I never misunderstood these particular song lyrics (I may start singing them wrong now though just for fun because this picture really cracks me up.)  haha 

It is also a well known fact that my connection to music goes much deeper . . . I often wake up with songs playing in my head that are a message from my guides. Additionally, I have received premonitions through song lyrics for decades. There have been quite a few cases where I had huge emotional reactions to songs in elementary school, without understanding why, yet upon listening to those songs as an adult, I was able to finally make sense of my emotional reactions. It was only in hind-sight that I could see that I "understood" a whole lot more about the Universe and what was to come when I was a little girl than I ever thought was possible.

Well last week I learned that my misunderstands extend beyond lyrics. The other morning I woke up hearing a song playing in my head and when I got on line to find out who sang it, I stumbled across some other information about the "song" that I had never known!  It started out as a jingle for Coca-Cola!! I was stunned because I had always assumed it was already a song - one that Coca-Cola borrowed for their ad campaign but from what I was reading - it seems I had in backwards. So apparently, I don't just get lyrics wrong - I don't know "music history" very well either.  :-) 

At any rate, here is what I heard playing in my head when I woke up that morning. Maybe if enough of us sing these words every day and/or hold them in our hearts, we can create THIS world to live in . . . I'm game to give it a try. Are you? 

I'd like to build the world a home

And furnish it with love

Grow apple trees and honey bees

And snow white turtle doves

I'd like to teach the world to sing

In perfect harmony

I'd like to hold it in my arms

And keep it company

I'd like to see the world for once

All standing hand in hand

And hear them echo through the hills

For peace through out the land

(That's the song I hear)

P.S. - Back to the topic of me being notorious for singing the wrong song lyrics . . . I share this in case anyone reading this needs a giggle. 

Today, I had my old iPod playing with earphones while I worked in the yard. I was having a great time, enjoying every single song that came on because - after all - the iPod DOES have 900 of my most favorite songs ever!  LOL  So Pat Travers starts singing "Is This Love" and I got to the part of the song where he sings, "We'll share the same room, yeah and jump rope by the frig" and I thought to myself "hmm, now that doesn't really make a lot of sense does it?" But that's what I have been singing since the early 80's!! 

When I looked up the lyrics, I had quite a good laugh . . . The actual lyrics are "We'll share the same room, yeah! - for Jah provide the bread." Anyone want to guess how long it's going to take for me to retrain my brain to sing the correct lyrics? I might have to stick with the incorrect lyrics. LOL

Let Love Lead The Way

Feeling the calling to write about love today - because there is so much power in love!!! 

Love can heal! Love can support! Love can change the structure of our water! Love can change our body chemistry and mood! Love can positively impact the choices we make! Love can have a wonderful impact on how we treat those around us!  There is no end to what love can do.

If you'd be willing, will you stop for a moment right now and ask yourself, "What do I love?" and write down everything that comes to mind?  It doesn't matter if you already know what you'd write - write it down anyway.  :-)  

At the top of my list are: Animals, music, sunsets, water (beaches and lakes), flowers and trees. When I want to tap into the power of love, all I have to do is think about this list or I can look at pictures of these things or listen to song lyrics that "take me there" . . . Often times this can be my saving grace, the thing that will give me the strength I need to keep moving forward on a tough day.

And it is such an easy thing to do.

Below I am sharing some of my favorite song lyrics about LOVE as well as some pictures to go along with my list, in the hopes that maybe they will inspire you to create your own list and tap into your own vibration of love. 

Never before have I felt the need so strongly for all of us to do this . . .  

As my very first favorite rock star (and crush) sang in the song Jealousys:  Life on earth, take it for what it's worth, save the Universe, Love One Another! (Eddie Monday)

And as Todd Rundgren wrote:

And when you feel afraid, love one another

When you've lost your way, love one another

When you're all alone, love one another

When you're far from home, love one another

When you're down and out, love one another

All your hope's run out, love one another

When you need a friend, love one another

When you're near the end, love

We got to love, we got to love one another

Light of the world, you got to shine on me

Love is the answer

Shine on us all (know that love can save the day)

Set us free

Love is the answer

(Just give it, just one more chance)

And as the Bellamy Brothers sang: 

Just let your love flow like a mountain stream

And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams

And let your love show

And you'll know what I mean, it's the season

Let your love fly like a bird on the wing

And let your love bind you to all living things

And let your love shine

And you'll know what I mean, that's the reason

And as The Youngbloods sang:

If you hear the song I sing

You will understand, listen

You hold the key to love and fear

All in your trembling hand

Just one key unlocks them both

It's there at your command

Come on, people now

Smile on your brother

Everybody get together

Try to love one another right now

And as The O'Jays sang:

People all over the world, join hands.

Start a love train, love train

People all over the world, join hands

Start a love train, love train

The next stop that we make will be England

Tell all the folks in Russia and China too

Don't you know that it's time to get on board

And let this train keep on riding, riding on through

People all over the world (you don't need no money) join hands

Start a love train, love train (don't need no ticket, come on)

People all over the world (join in, ride this train)

Start a love train, love train

All of your brothers over in Africa

Tell all the folks in Egypt and Israel too

Please don't miss this train at the station

'Cause if you miss it, I feel sorry, sorry for you

People all over the world, join hands

Start a love train, a love train

Ride, let it ride

People, ain't no war

People all over the world (on this train) 

Join hands (ride the train)
Start a love train