LOSING MY BEST FRIEND; THE TRUTH OF IT ALL.

Confession:

Last night my significant other was feeling emotional about the remembered loss of a family member and he asked me, " Do you upset when you think about your dad?'  (I lost my dad many years ago when I was in collage.) I paused for moment and answered honestly, "No, but I still get very emotional about the loss of Griffin (my GSD)."

The Truth of it all:

The loss of my dad was a difficult experience especially because it was a shock, but that moment in time did not begin to compare to the overwhelmingly devastating loss of Griffin (almost 3 years ago) I honestly don't know if there are words to describe sorrow of that level. You would assume my position as an animal communicator and certified grief coach coupled with my pre-greiving, i.e. knowing because of his condition (DM) that the loss was coming, and being in communication with him throughout the entire process would have prepared me to manage my grief.

 It didn't. 

The grief hit me like a tsunami. For months the giant sea swell repeatedly toppled me over, dragging me under, churning me under the surface, with glimpses of air so faint and far between There were times I litteraly didn't know if I would make it. I was affected to the core of my being. The desolate pain and stress of it all showing up months later wreaking havoc on my physical and mental health. I would wake up at night in extreme panic thinking I was having a heart-attack. I would have these extreme panic attacks at the most random times even sitting in church. Because of that I became afraid leaving my house. Yes, you read that right. Outgoing, fun loving, me paralyzed by the fear that I would have a melt-down or panic-attack in public. I would cry all the time at random even when I thought I was happy. It was like I had no control over my body.  I became desolate, isolated, only reading out to the life raft those close to me in the most extreme moments when I felt I was grasping for my sanity. Looking back I'm lucky one of these panic attacks landed me in the ER giving me the opportunity to find support in managing my symptoms on every level. 

With the help of medication (I was on an anti-anxiety/depression medication for 9 months), a much need and focus on self-care, friends, family, and whole lot of soul searching I began to heal. So, why am I telling you all this...

I want you to know if your hurting, your not alone. 

The attached article that popped up in my feed this morning reminded me that I'm not alone in my loss. Many of us have experienced the loss of a beloved friend, family member, pet. We all experience, manage, live with and heal grief in our way, in our own time. I can't tell you how ashamed I felt that things got so bad I needed to be on medication for a time. Happy go lucky, blessed and grateful, fabulous me, medicated. It was surreal and a wake up call. I can honestly say now I don't think I could have truly seen where I was, or broke through the despair with out it. Here I am. Baring all. On the other side. Moments of grief still sifting through me at times, but carrying my grief in a healthier, manageable way. If I could only offer one sentiment of support to anyone out there in pain it would be this...

Be kind to yourself. 

You are where you are, and that's ok. If you need help, that's ok too. Be kind to yourself about where you are, the choices you make, and how you move through the present part of your journey in this time and space. Wether you know it or not what's happening right now is happening for you not to you. There is a light at the end of your tunnel. If all my years as a professional animal communicator and pet-loss grief coach have taught me anything, they have taught me this. You are not alone. The ones you love are loving you from the greater dimensions of life now and ALWAYS. 

Support/Resources:

If you are looking for support after the loss of a pet here is a link to my book, Beyond Companionship, It address supporting a pet through tradition and connecting even after s/he has crossed the rainbow bridge. Also a link to my services if you are seeking to connect with a pet who has passed. <3

Book: https://amzn.to/2xbR3O4

Services: http://amymillercoaching.com/services/


The mentioned article from my Facebook feed:
https://iheartdogs.com/why-losing-a-dog-can-be-even-more-painful-than-the-death-of-a-loved-one-2/

A PRACTICE IN MINDFULNESS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

Animal companions often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Its easy to begin just going through the motions of feed the cat, groom the horse,  let the dog in, let the dog out, throwing the ball while watching TV. Being a conscious companion means periodically stepping out of the routine and really connecting with your companion. 

Mindful observation is a simple 3 step practice to help you to experience the presence of your animal companion.

1.) Choose an animal companion to focus on for this exercise.  

                            

2.) Begin to place all your focus and attention on him/her. Don't try to control your companions action just be the observer. If  s/he leaves the room activate all your senses to keep him/her in your awareness.  Relax into the harmony of this connectivity for as long as you can. 

3.) When you are ready to shift out of this exercise in observation end by thanking your animal companion for his or her prescience in your life. 

Sign up for my weekly sentiments of love and inspiration from the animals we share our lives with and receive a Quick-Start Guide to Conscious Companionship! 

Where there is a soul there is a journey and a purpose.

I believe that we are souls who chose to come to this time and space to have a human experience. I also believe our animal companions are souls who chose to come to this time and space to have an experience.  If you have read my first book Beyond Companionship: Connecting with Kindred Souls of Animal Companions you will know that I also believe where there is a soul there is a journey and a purpose.

As an intuitive animal communicator I see the life purpose of animal companions manifest in a multitude of ways.  I have met a horse here to help his person perfect a new training technique that will change how other riders train their companions. I have observed human hearts in need of healing find that healing within the unconditional love of an animal companion.  I uncover new and profound purpose in the presence of animal companions with every intuitive session I do.

Here is an example of purpose taken from my book Beyond Companionship. Archie’s owner was looking to connect with him and get some closure around his passing. I could immediately feel the energy of Archie’s true essence as a loving and nurturing soul. After assuring my client that he was ok, three words began repeating in my mind: companionship, care, and support. I could tell these words each held great purpose and meaning for Archie in reference to the life we were communicating with him about. My intuition told me there was an important message for this woman that involved these words. This prompted me to ask his owner what her profession was, and I assumed it must have been one that was in some way emotionally demanding like my client from the previous story.  She shared with me that she was a social worker. I shared with her that Archie’s purpose for sharing his most recent life experience with her was to be a companion, to care for her and support her through his presence.  Archie’s owner instantly resonated with this message and thanked me for affirming what she had felt throughout their time together.

Tell me conscious companions, have you uncovered purpose in the presence of your companion? 

How has that purpose manifested?

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION: HOW DO I GET ALL THE INFORMATION?

Oftentimes during a session I will say to a client, "Your animal is not telling me this but  I need to tell you...." I do this because not every piece of information I share during a communication session comes directly from the animal I am communicating with. I do use telepathy to converse with animals, but as an intuitive when put my attention and focus on the energetic expression or soul-self of an animal I get a download of information. Thoughts, feelings, pictures, words and knowings are all included in this download. In my experience what you need to know is always there weather it comes directly from the animal or divine wisdom. 

Occasionally when a client is setting up their first session they will express concern that their animal companion won't want to talk, or won't have anything to say. I have also worked with clients worried that their companion might be emotionally reserved or blocking information from them. In these instances I assure them that the information they need to know will come through no matter how talkative or reserved their companion might be. While a  verbal exchanging of messages is the foundation of animal communication, intuition,  and tapping into the truths and knowings of divine wisdom or universal knowledge (Made up of a combination of energy frequencies, not just the animals.) makes for an all encompassing connection and communication experience. One where if things are interpreted correctly things don't get left out. I say interpreted because while intuitive communication is Divine, it is not perfect, as with any form of communication there is always room for misinterpretation.  

Getting messages from animals and tapping into universal knowledge is easy the easy part of being an intuitive animal communicator.  The real work is sifting through all the thoughts, words, pictures, feelings and knowings being received and interpreting it into messages the animal's person will understand and connect with.  Animal communication is as much about connecting and communicating with the animals person as is is about connecting and communicating animal.  In this respect I have always been thankful for my degree in social work and my passion for working with people. 


3 TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SESSION

1. Be Open
If you go into a communication session with your companion closed minded with ridged expectations you're walling your self off to everything your animal has to offer via connection and communication.  Be open, even if your a little skeptical or unsure I promise if you open your heart and mind to connection and communication with your companion you will have an enriching experience.

2. Have Intention
I'm all about intentional living. As a communicator when I do a communication session with an animal I always set my intention.  Typically I go into a session with the general intention information exchanged serves the person and animals greatest good. If I know the animal/client the intention may be more specific to their personal experience.  What do you hope to learn from having a communication session with your companion? How do you want your communication session to impact you and your companies shared life experience? You don't have to tell anyone your intention but having and intention will greatly impact your end result (In all things!).

3. Talk
Communication is a two way street don't be afraid to talk, ask questions, and share. A good communicator will tell you things he or she couldn't have known no matter what you do or don't say. If you are trying to play the I want to see what s/he knows game with your communicator you are missing the point. I find the most successful communication sessions are a mutual sharing by both person and animal that brings them into alignment so they can move forward together positively impacting their shared experience.

Visit my website to learn more about intuitive animal communication.

WEEKY ANIMAL MESSAGE EMAIL EXPANDED

I hear your unspoken words. 

                        ~ your companion

I hear your unspoken words, was one of my May 2015, weekly sentiments of love and inspiration from the animals we share our lives. Every now and again I will elaborate on one of these animal messages for this blog. 

Did you know that your companion hears what you are saying, even when you don't verbally say anything. Trust me here, my life's work is based on sending and receiving unspoken words with animals.  Your thoughts are more powerful than you realize. They create a ripple or wave that is broadcast out into the world much like the radio waves that bring you your favorite music.  All beings are constantly sending and receiving these thought waves. Your friends are hundreds of times more sensitive to these thought waves than your human friends. I believe one reason for this is your animal companion has the unique ability to live in, and for the present moment.  Living in the present moment allows him or her in your life can more clearly receive your thought waves because they are not being obstructed by the their own thoughts about the past or worries about the future. Don't get me wrong, animals can recall past events or experiences they have had when I ask them to during a communication session. Animals can even have habits and lean red behaviors that steam from past experiences, but animals do not carry past experiences around in the forefront of their consciousness as we humans do. This makes it easy for them to "tune in" to your thought waves and hear your unspoken words.

Would you like to try to tune into your animal companions thought waves?

Next time you are enjoying the presence of your animal companion bring yourself into the present moment and quiet your mind by taking three deep breaths, focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly for each of the three breaths.  Now turn forces on your animal companion binging him or her into your awareness. Observe any thoughts that pop into your consciousness and jot them down right away.  In my experience the first thoughts and feelings that pop into my head are ALWAYS the right ones. 

Still feeling a little foggy?  I have something that can help! 

In 2011 I created Conversation Cards. This deck of 33 cards is designed to help you awaken your intuition and engage in real-time conversation with your companion. Click the underlined link below to learn more.

BEGIN THE CONVERSATION TODAY!

NAMASTE

In my first post I promised I would share with with you a pause and connect point from my first book Beyond Companionship: Connecting with Kindred Souls of Animal Companions, here it is!

In Hindu, Namaste means “I bow to the divine in you.” The spoken word is often accompanied by a bowing gesture made with the person’s hands in a prayer position in front of their heart chakra. This salutation has become increasingly popular in western culture by a boom in the mind, body, and spirit practice of yoga. Many people use the short explanation of this term as “the divine within me recognizes and honors the divine within in you.” Being in this mindset of honoring the divine within is a great way to connect with and honor your animal companion’s soul-self. A short while ago, I started to see the animals around me through the definition of Namaste and I believe this practice has had a profound effect on deepening the level of connectivity I share with the animals around me. In passing, I will even do a slight bow to an animal in the spirit of honoring that animal’s true essence or soul-self. The following definition of Namaste I found on a poster hanging in a new age store transforms this salutation to a beautiful description of a soul connection: “My soul honors your soul. I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the light, love, truth, beauty and peace within you because it is also within me.” 

In sharing these things, we are united, we are the same, we are one. Being in the Namaste mindset when interacting with your animal companion is a great practice for honoring the soul within them. 

I invite you right now to begin seeing your animal companion through the definition of Namaste.

Animals are Sentient Beings

"We, animal and human come to this time and space to have an experience embedded with our own divine purpose."

 ~Amy Miller, Beyond Companionship

Eight years of talking with the animals has left me with no doubt in my mind that animals are sentient beings. Your animal companion is not only able to feel, see, hear, smell and taste, but s/he is consciously aware.  S/he can feel pain, experience emotions and has needs and wants of his or her own. Science has gone so far in proving this that France adopted animal welfare legislation in 2015, officially stating all animals are sentient beings. Since your animal companion’s life is experience is a conscious one it only makes sense that your companionship should be conscious as well.

A few years after diving head first into a more conscious, spiritual, and intutive way of living, my German Shepherd communicated with me. This is was the first time an animal popped into my head and spoke to me. It felt like magic, and it shined light on a new way of expressing my intuitive gifts in a new way. The experience opened me up to a whole world of possibilities as I began cultivating deeply connective, and conscious relationships with animals. It is those relationships and the resulting raise in my own consciousness that fuel my passion for inspiring people to raise their consciousness and become a conscious companions.

When you choose to acknowledge your companion as a sentient being, you look beyond the physical connecting to the soul within and powerful connection is conceived. This connection opens your mind, touches your heart and awakens a knowing from deep within you. Attuning to the soul-self of your companion ignites a direct link to the place within all of us where we can connect as one. It is from that interconnected place of oneness that conscious companionship is birthed.

Tell me, do you believe your companion is a sentient being with thoughts, feelings even desires of his or her own?

Conscious Companionship: Defined

Conscious companionship is lifestyle, a transformative way of being that comes from a more connected, compassionate and conscious way of interacting with the animals in your life. The term conscious championship came to me as I began working on my second book, the divinely inspired phrase is so in alignment with my my work as an intuitive animal communicator that I could feel the little hairs on the back of my neck standing up.  Even my soul began to hum.  As I continued writing the principles of conscious companionship moved through me and on to the page and my second book was birthed. 

It was not long after that inspired writing experience that I began cultivating the idea of a conscious companionship blog. A blog committed to sharing content that will enlighten, empower, and support you in cultivating habits, thoughts, attitudes, and interactions that constitute the mode of living in conscious companionship with the animals you share your life with. This is that blog. 

My name is Amy, you can think of me like an adorable blonde version of Dr. Doolittle.  I'm pretty sure I invented the #lovemydoolittelife one day while drive down the road chatting with a dogs who's ears are flapping the breeze.  I thank the pigs, the cows, the horses, the birds in the sky, and the squirrels in the trees for their presence here in this time and space.  I rarely walk by an animal with out a the a namaste nod. (More about that practice in a later blog.) I am a lover of life, seeker of truths, a fierce posssibiliatraian, and an intuitive animal communicator passionate about enriching the lives of all Beings who cross my path. Yes, I capitalized the B, for effect. I like to do things like that. 

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Next Post 10/19/15, Animals are Sentient Beings.