Have you ever wondered how true kinship with animals came into being for me?
Settle back, get cozy with your favorite beverage and “Once upon a time…..”
In my decades of working with animals and humans, I have witnessed how society’s ideas influence our every day interactions and how we often unconsciously accept these ideas as truth. As I started to explore I realized these ideas actually reinforce dominion over animals as an acceptable, common practice.
Then…..light bulb….. I realized so many of you, myself included, struggle against those engrained ideas WHILE striving to discover respectful and ethical ways to be with animals in ways that honor their agency and ours.
Moreover, we struggle to find a community of like-minded folx we can engage with who ‘get’ what it means that animals are kin and not just animals.
Which brought me to the question……how much of our love and commitment to animals is shaped by the ideas of a culture that in general values people over animals???
Bottom line…..I realized we need to recognize and begin to disconnect from those engrained societal ideas and practices. As we begin to do that, we can start to reconnect with animals in the many ways that reach beyond what society says is acceptable.
Hence, true kinship with animals.
And to end this story “they all lived happily ever after…..”
Well, we’re not there yet, there’s still some changes to be made.
What if…..
…..each one of us were to feel into our individual truths and explore ways we can become aware of our habits, words and actions that no long represent who we are?
…..each one of us were to discover ways to become more intentional in how we’re showing up in the world with and for animals?
…..each one of us had a supportive community as we begin to reclaim what we've been disconnected from?
Steps to take…..
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Listen to the True Kinship With Animals Podcast. You’ll hear stories, conversations and practical suggestions on how you can radically reimagine your relationship with animals. It’s available on most podcast platforms.
Join the on-line Kindred Community. It's for those who feel stuck between a rock and a hard spot on how the world treats animals (as animals) and how you treat them (as kin). The community is a place where you can practice and hone your true kinship skills and ideas, while gaining confidence and support. Kindred is a subscription based service with monthly themes presented through community, workshops, written and audio offerings. You gain a deeper understanding of true kinship and the courage to practice it.
In October, explore Kindred for yourself! I’m hosting a free Kindred webinar and you’ll have the chance to participate in community and see for yourself the difference Kindred can make in your relationship with animals. You’ll get a chance to ask questions, make comments, connect and chat with like minded folx. Stay tuned for details!
Janet Roper
…..is an animist, podcaster, intuitive practitioner and mentor identifying as she/they and respectfully acknowledges she is on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Séliš (Salish) and QÌispé (upper Kalispel or Pend d’Oreille) People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
For 30+ years Janet has facilitated clear conversations between animals and people. In her work she encourages people to expand their bond with animals by disengaging with hierarchical approaches and relating in true kinship.
She is cheerfully owned and managed by a multitude of angel animals and several houseplants.
“We all do better when ALL creatures do better.”
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Janet have you read "The Myth of Human Supremacy" by Derrick Jensen? SO good and right on about our acceptance of the hierarchy of species as FACT while there is an enormous amount of scientific evidence to the contrary. Your piece reminded me of that fabulous book!