Podcast Ep 17: Observing Animals
Originally Published May 27, 2022
Listen: Apple, Podbean, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast station.
Script
Intro
Welcome to True Kinship with Animals: In Short, a mini podcast that gives you bite sized tidbits of true kinship in 3 minutes or less. I’m your host Janet Roper.
The online aspect of my work is given readily and is free to consume. AND time and labor are involved to create, write, research, verify, provide commentary and community and promote that work. Your financial support makes my work sustainable and allows me to continue providing you with the pro bono resources I offer, this podcast being only one of them. Your support of my work by making a financial contribution or shopping my wish list at janetroper.com shows your appreciation and is greatly welcomed. You’ll also find the link on the show page for your convenience.
Hello folx, I hope you are doing well today! Here’s one of my favorite quotes from Robin Wall Kimmerer, from her book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.
“Our toddlers speak of plants and animals as if they were people, extending to them self and intention and compassion — -until we teach them not to.”
Wow! If you feel called, take the time to sit with that for awhile and see what it brings to you.
I find when I luxuriate in an animal’s presence, when I recognize and acknowledge the animals’ own agency, new worlds are opened! The connection becomes more honest and authentic as the animals recognize that I’m connecting with them as best I can without needing to validate their experience through my human perspective.
Doing this takes consciousness, perseverance, practice and patience.
I’m a true believer in true kinship with animals. That's where you and the animal each have the freedom to participate as, if, how and for as long as you each see fit.
In the last In Short podcast, I suggested slowing down and observing the animals who are willing to be observed, with no expectation of participation from them. BTW, if you get the feeling the animal doesn’t want to be observed, just stop.
Today I want to add a little bit more to that - slow down and observe the animals as close to the same time each day. What do you notice?
Give it a try and see for yourself what happens!
Outro
My work is devoted to helping you show up in the world for animals from the fullness of your authentic self. Want to find out more visit my website.
Thanks for listening to this mini podcast! I’d love to hear if you find this format helpful - leave a comment on the show page or contact me at janetroper.com
If you liked what you have heard, you can support this podcast by making a financial contribution, leaving a comment, giving the show a like, a follow and/or a share.
Just for today remember: We all do better when all creatures do better. Until next week, take good care!
