Seven Spiritual Lessons from Our Animals

Spiritual Lesson #1 – Unconditional Love. The one lesson most pet owners agree upon is that our animals teach us to love unconditionally, and along with that, to forgive. They ask little from us but give us enormous rewards with sheer presence, demonstrating the consistency of love. They never retreat from us in anger.
Spiritual Lesson #2 – Selflessness. They teach us selflessness. The dog eats before we do. The dog gets vet care before we get medical care. We take days off work to nurse an ailing animal.
Spiritual Lesson #3 – Acceptance. They teach us to accept impermanence. While this life is temporary, Divine love lasts forever. We learn to exercise the greatest parts of ourselves
Spiritual Lesson #4 – Release. They make it impossible for us to hold grudges. Yes, we get annoyed if they chew up our shoe or prefer to urinate on the coffee table instead of the shrubbery.
Spiritual Lesson #5 – Guidance. They help us understand that we are not alone. They speak to the core of our total being with accompaniment that is way beyond the physical. In fact, we despite our trips to the animal shelter or a reputable breeder, we really have not chosen our dogs but they have chosen us.
Spiritual Lesson #6 – Sacrifice. They lead us to see the meaning of sacrifice: because the love we have for them is so pure, they become our first consideration when the end of physical life approaches.
Spiritual Lesson #7 – Renewal They allow us to heal from all forms of hurt: romantic, loss, anger. By the simple gift of their presence, a paw on our leg, a head on our shoulder, our vibration is raised and our capacity for love is expanded. Each time we bring a new animal into our lives, we are energetically mended.