Our bond with our beloved pets transcends the physical realm; it is a soulful connection that goes beyond words. As spiritual beings sharing our lives with these wonderful creatures, we must recognize that our emotional states can have profound effects on them. When we experience anxiety or stress, our pets, who are highly attuned to our energies, can sense and absorb these emotions, leading to their own experience of anxiety. In this article, we will explore the intricate spiritual connection between human anxiety and pet anxiety, and how nurturing our spiritual well-being can positively impact our furry friends.
The Energy of Emotional Contagion
As spiritual beings, we understand the concept of energy and its power to influence our reality. Emotional contagion is a powerful energetic exchange between beings, where emotions are transferred unconsciously. This phenomenon is not limited to human interactions but extends to our relationship with our pets. When we experience anxiety or stress, our pets can sense the shifts in our energy fields and may unconsciously absorb and reflect these emotions. The spiritual connection we share with our pets opens the gateway for emotional energy to flow between us, leading to a cycle of anxiety.
The Sacredness of Routine and Environment and our Nervous System
Our pets are sacred companions on our life journey, and we are entrusted with their care. Human anxiety can lead to disruptions in daily routines and living environments, impacting pets on a spiritual level. Our pets, shorter and lower to the ground rule this space take on a lot of our anxious energy when we are lying down in bed, less so on the couch, but when our heads are at the same level as their bodies.
Our nervous systems (aka anxiety) and not living in the moment (fearing the future) or with depression (ruminating about the past) keeps us out of the present moment because we are in our heads more than in our bodies. This impacts our pets whose lesson they are helping us learn is the magic, beauty and peaceful acceptance of the present NOW. The sanctity of a daily routine that includes at least two walks outside in the fresh air regardless of season, provides our pets (and ourselves) with a sense of security and stability and a chance to interact with Mother Nature. The more interaction that you allow your pet to have by sniffing outside as long as they want, having their paws touch the natural earth (grass is acceptable, dirt and sand is ideal), benefits your pets nervous system and yours as well!
Each step rejuvenates our body as it grounds us by taking out the stress of daily modern living – walking in shoes, wearing clothing items that have plastics and synthetics and consuming foods that are processed. Not to mention the impact of blue light with screen time becoming the acceptable form of desk jobs or too much time sitting (factory work, desk jobs, commuting). When anxiety interferes with our ability to maintain a balanced routine, it disrupts the spiritual harmony of our pet’s existence, leading to feelings of uncertainty and unease.
The Language of Love and Attention
Pet parents understand that love and attention are powerful forms of energy exchange. Our pet understand us, and we them using little verbal language but rather relying on other forms of communication to express care: love, attention and affection. When we are consumed by anxiety- mindlessly pouring kibble into a bowl or leaving the food out all day, neglecting to wash the water bowl on a daily basis etc, we may unintentionally withdraw emotionally from our pets, withholding the spiritual nourishment of love and attention that they crave. This spiritual disconnection can leave our pets feeling emotionally unfulfilled and abandoned, which can manifest as pet destructive behaviors and solicitation of attention: accidents, chewing a beloved possession, biting themselves or you.
The Karmic Dance of Reinforced Behavior
Spiritual laws often emphasize the concept of cause and effect, where actions create energetic ripples that return to us in kind. Human anxiety can inadvertently reinforce anxious behaviors in our pets through the law of karma. For instance, when anxious about our pet’s fear of thunderstorms, we might unintentionally reward their fearful behavior with extra attention or treats. This karmic dance perpetuates the cycle of anxiety in our pets.
Sensing the Vibration of the Environment
As spiritual beings, we recognize that everything in the universe is interconnected through vibration. Our pets are masters at sensing the energetic vibrations of their environment, including the emotional states of their human companions. They pick up on subtle cues and energetic shifts in our beings, mirroring these vibrations and experiencing anxiety in response.
Conclusion
Our spiritual connection with our pets goes beyond the physical; it is an interplay of energies and emotions on a profound level. As spiritual beings, we must honor this sacred bond and be mindful of how our emotional states can impact our pets. Nurturing our spiritual well-being through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness can create a positive ripple effect that resonates throughout our homes, benefiting both ourselves and our furry companions.
By acknowledging the spiritual dimension of our relationship with our pets, we open ourselves to the opportunity for growth and healing, both individually and collectively. Let us embrace this soulful connection, tending to our spiritual well-being, and cultivating an environment of love, harmony, and serenity for our pets to thrive spiritually and emotionally. In doing so, we strengthen the sacred bond we share with our cherished companions on this beautiful journey of life.
photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/WphP036Zuvg
