In this article, I will share the messages I received during a Sacred Spirit Journey with insights on seeing your pet as a teacher and guide in your daily life and in coping with grief after the loss of a pet.
I took a different approach than usual this time. It was the title of the book “Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from Our Dogs and Cats,” by Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell that inspired me to do a Sacred Spirit Journey and ask my own spirit guides for insights on pets as Guardians of Being, as it pertains to living with our animal friends, and especially as it relates to the loss of a beloved pet. I purposely didn’t read the book first, but simply used the book’s title as a starting point to learn more.
The Sacred Spirit Journey
I set the intention for the journey and begin my preparations. Where I do the journey, it’s peaceful – the only sound right now are some birds singing outside. I watch the sparrows in the bush by the window, and notice the fall colors of the leaves on the trees.
I watch as my busy mind slowly begins to calm down.
In Sacred Spirit Journeys, I often ‘travel’ to different places. I sense that today is not so much about going places, but more about reaching a state of being.
“That’s true,” my spirit guide says, “It’s the state of aware presence that we’re looking for. The state where you’re not stuck in your mind, but fully present in the place you’re in and in your own body, connected to your soul and to spirit. That is the place you find yourself in, when you feel completely at peace without worries; when you’re fully present in the Now.
That is the state of mind – or rather, of Being – that animals can teach you, and that is one of the reasons, pets are so popular. They haven’t forgotten that state of Being; in fact, they live fully in the present moment. All animals can teach you that, but pets can be your personal guide back to the peace and presence you’re looking for; back to the Now, and back to you.
‘Guardians of Being’ is a beautiful term which signifies that your animal companions hold that space or state of Being for you, and a reminder and a path back to Being and to peace.
Just think of how many times during your life with your pet that you came home after a tough or long day and your animal companion helped you get back to yourself – back to peace and joy, simply by being who they are?
The same is the case when your pet has passed. After the loss of your beloved animal companion, your pet in the afterlife can still be your guide, your ‘guardian of Being’; the one who gently guides you back to the peace and to the joy of the present moment, when they remind you – as they have in so many journeys when you connected with them in the afterlife – that the animal companion you have lost is not lost to you. They can guide you back to the peace of the present moment which is the place where you will discover the continued connection with your angel animal friend. In the peace of the Now; in the space of the present moment; that is where you find the way back to experiencing the eternal, loving connection you have with your angel animal, and it is where you find a way back to peace.
‘Being’ as it is mentioned in the sentence ‘pets as guardians of Being’ is not only a state to reach or aim for, but it is also a practice. Practice becoming present as often as you can during the day. Practice just ‘Being’. What happens when you do? You may feel reactions and urges to ‘run away’, but if you try to allow whatever feelings are there to simply be there, you’ll see that they keep changing. You are not your feelings but the one watching them. You are not the pain you experience after your pet is gone. As Kia [Marianne’s angel cat] always advises: “Go beyond to find me”. It’s a process, and be gentle with yourself on the way.
As you contemplate your animal friends as ‘guardians of Being’, both those alive and those who have passed, you have the most loving reminder and teacher to show you the way back to peace and back to you.”
I thank my spirit guide and end the journey.
Action Steps
1) What are some of the things your animal companion has taught you? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
2) If you wish to check out Eckhart Tolle’s book “Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from Our Dogs and Cats,” you can find it on Amazon (US or UK)
Marianne, thank you for your powerful words and the deep respect you bring to those of us who have mourned the loss of our blessed fur companions.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Christy.
Hi Marianne, thank you for your post , I do read all of it and is very gratefull. It’s a year now ihave been in touch with your site , it helped me greatly after I lost 2 of my precious. One is ailing now I have not gotten over the two that left , and I am having a hard time coping. My dogs has taught me to be compassione have patience and to love beyond I ever imagine…. I am realising now they were also teaching me to love myself… Which I am now learning to do… I did not ever think I will feel so sad , but I learned a lot from you.. Much love. Diane
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as i have grown up on farms – i could never imagine one moment without an animal near me – and i still to this day have animals come to me for healing before going on their way – what would life be without these dear companions! x
Each one of my dogs has taught me a lot, but I think the best lessons are about returning to that “state of being.” Thanks.
I love all the reminders you provide of the healing power of our animals!! Thanks so much!!
I’m glad you liked it, Stacey. Thanks for stopping by :-)
Thank you Marianne for this lovely post. I’m still mourning my sweet Cammi’s loss and I feel her energies all the time especially when I’m at home. I will have to check out Tolle’s new book. Blessings
Beautiful post Marianne. My pets have been wonderful inspirations in teaching me to slow down, relax & just “be.” :-)
Me too,Tae. My animal companions have also been some of my greatest teachers.
Currently no animal pets, what i did learn from the 2 dogs i have had, was friendship and loyalty. I can see them so clearly and maybe their spirits are with me