He came barreling in the bedroom just after sunrise shouting, “Mom…Dad, there’s a wild turkey banging on my window!”

What?! I must be dreaming.

I heard what he said but it wasn’t computing.  We just recently moved to the country and I’ve never had a wild turkey come knocking at my door window.

I hadn’t really opened my eyes to this point.  I settled back in.  And immediately Destin shouted it again, “Mom!!  There’s a wild turkey banging on my window! Come quick!”

This time I opened my eyes.  Sure enough, our son was really standing there telling me about a turkey at his window.

I grabbed the camera and we ran downstairs to witness the most amusing early morning sight ever.

There was this HUGE Tom Turkey just banging his beak with full force on our window!!

Honestly, he was pecking with such force I was a little concerned the window would break.

I caught a couple pic’s and then asked Destin if he thought the turkey could see in.

He didn’t think so.  We moved closer. The turkey kept banging.
We moved closer still. The turkey was insistent, relentless in his pecking; he didn’t notice us.

Finally, when we got within a couple feet of the window, we entered Tom Turkey’s field of awareness.
He suddenly realized the error of his ways (or was freaked out that a group of two-leggeds was suddenly posing threat as well) … and he ran away across the lawn.

As he did we noticed his ‘wife and children’ standing further up the lawn.  (OK, I’m anthropomorphizing just a little.  Bear with me.)

This turkey was clearly banging away at his own reflection in what he believed was a noble attempt to ward off any threat to his own.

Interesting.

A Look at Reflection~

If we look at ‘reflection’ metaphorically…

How often do we bang away at our reflection…or what is being reflected…only to realize that we could be looking deeper, broader, more intently beyond what currently seems to be.

• Is it possible that at times our own awareness is limited by what is being reflected around us?

• Is it possible that by giving all of our attention to what we’re focused on that we create more of that reality?

The turkey was sure that there was another turkey threatening his territory, his family, his livelihood.  It’s all he could see and he was determined not to let anything happen that he didn’t want to happen.

That was his reality.  For him, in that moment, the threat (as he saw it) was real.

And so, he continued fruitlessly banging away at his own reflection when he could have taken a step back, broadened his awareness, offered himself some relief and a new perspective.  He could have.  He didn’t.  Until we stepped into his field of awareness he was complacently attached to his seeming current situation.

I know I’m giving this turkey a lot of credit.  In his defense, I’m sure the depth of character I’m giving him is not at all there.  He was innocently doing what he thought best.  I recognize that.  We do that, too.

Questioning Reflection~

Here are some questions that ran through my awareness as I witnessed this amusing spectacle this morning:

• What beliefs are we holding about our reflection and that which is reflected around us?
• Could there be something more?
• Is it possible to look at things from another angle?
• What may be blocking our deeper vision?
• What is the reflection being presented saying?  Are we listening?
• Is it possible the reflection currently revealing itself is only a facade?  …or a mirage?
• And most directly…  How do I feel about what is being reflected, and how is what I see being reflected present within me?
• Are we ever so attached to our current situation that we forget to allow space for new possibility to come into our field of awareness?

I know one thing right now.  I’m grateful to Tom Turkey and his family.  They offered me a profoundly introspective ‘wake up call’ opportunity this morning.  Not to mention some early morning humor to start things off right!

I mean seriously, if you’re going to get woken up before your body says it’s time it may as well be for the antics of nature playing at your window!

Did You See THAT?!?

Any attention grabbing reflections at your window lately?

Metaphorically speaking, of course.  Although, if any of you have had experiences with nature’s amusement I’d love to hear those stories as well!

Here’s to reflection!  Seeing it for what it’s worth, seeing it for its face value, and recognizing that there’s more…if we just take a step back, forward…or even INward…yet another reflection takes shape with ever deeper messages to share.

As always…I’d love to hear from you. What reflections are currently staring you in the face?

And in honor of Tom Turkey~

May your reflections be pure, may they lead you to your deepest truth and may you see the beauty in all.

Turkey in the Mirror photo credit

Turkey at the Window photo credit:  Me, this morning!

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My Marley (Ashki)

This movie touched me on so many levels I don’t know where to begin…so we’ll start with the pooch.  Marley’s character, like many canine companions that grace our lives, is all about being in the moment and doing what comes naturally…and if that means eating an entire  50 lb. bag of kibble in one sitting or eating the family sofa for a snack, well then that’s what it means.  Marley is hopelessly upbeat, full of energy and charged with enough love to light New York city.  He’s endearing; you can’t help but love him…even if he can destroy an entire garage in a matter of minutes.  Marley gets into our hearts and grabs hold so tight we’re not sure we’ll be able to breathe unless he’s right there by our sides.  Marley is the best and the worst of any dog you’ve ever met.  Marley is pure love.  Marley lives without regret.  Marley, while being just slightly unorthodox in his ways, teaches us lessons that will stay with us for lifetimes.

John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston) are a newly married couple making their way in the world.  They’re both writers.  Jenny, a well known columnist and John, a self-proclaimed reporter.  They move to Florida from Michigan to be with the sun and to start their new life together.  John and Jenny get jobs…Jenny gets newspaper space large enough that it could wallpaper an entire room in one issue while John gets less than a quarter column buried deep inside the paper to report stories that you have to wonder if anyone cares about.  The story continues to unfold when “Discount Puppy”, Marley comes into their lives.

From here forward we witness John and Jenny’s growth as human beings.  We see them begin to recognize what matters to each of them, and we see that what they thought mattered sometimes really doesn’t.  We learn that holding on to an old dream, believing it’s still important, when realized can translate to something so stale and old we wonder why we ever dreamed it in the first place.  We see that children add an element to a couple’s existence that is both the greatest miracle and the greatest challenge they’ll ever face.  (Don’t I know that one!)  We see that humor heals many wounds and that love transcends the darkest of times.

Marley and Me touches the soul.  Deeply.  It engages your heart and tickles you silly.  It plays with your thoughts and questions your choices.  Marley and Me mixes your emotions like taffy being pulled…stretching and turning between immense joy and deep sadness…all of it good, sweet and colorful.

If ever you’ve experienced a canine friend relationship that rivals any other relationship in your life in its depth of emotion and love, then Marley and Me will touch you beyond belief.  Go see it.  Bring someone you love.  (Too bad they don’t allow dogs at the theater…although upon considering this further it’s really not a good plan as this may give your favorite pooch some behavioral issues and ideas that are better left on the movie screen!)  Bring some tissue.  Yes, lots of crying along with the laughing; I just want you to be prepared.  Enjoy the movie.  …and then go home and give your Marley the biggest Hug of Love ever!!

YES!  Is my unequivocal answer. Yes, my personal involvement with animals has helped me become more sensitive (aware) of the energy I flow.  And I’ve observed, even facilitated this with many others as well.

From little on I have been blessed with the awareness of energy, how it flows, how it effects or influences change.  I also grew up understanding the deep connection we have with the creature kingdom.  One of my favorite things to do to this day is to tune in to an animals spirit (my dog, cat, a bird, a spider, even a gorilla once!) and listen for the messages he/she wants to share in the moment.

Two of my most dear and deeply respected friends work with horses and people…teaching people the language of equus, the language of the horse.  Horses have much to teach us about partnership, trust, unconditional love, leadership and forgiveness.   Experiencing this connection first hand strengthens one’s knowing, if there was ever any doubt, the power of energy, intention and how energy flows, creates and manifests itself outwardly.

Both Anna and Franklin are the real deal.  They get it.  Their integrity and understanding of the horse/human connection is truly inspirational.  I’ve worked side by side, personally with both of them as well as watched them in action with others. Their work is magical, transformational and empowering. Franklin Levinson exudes “horse whisperer” from head to toe, heart and soul.  Anna Twinney’s work extends beyond general horse world themes as she is first and foremost a remarkable horse trainer…who also just happens to use Reiki healing energy, flower essences and animal communication in her work.

The language of horses holds so much wisdom.  I’d love for you to visit my podcast site;  “In Horse Harmony~dancing in partnership with horse and human” is an expression of my passion for this very topic.  Within the podcasts you’ll find interviews with amazing people who deeply understand this connection; who deeply understand the energy flow at work in our lives.

Because of my love for all animals, not just horses, you’ll also find interviews with animal communicators and even a few with Reiki energy healers.

Both Franklin and Anna are featured in many interviews.  In fact, over the last year Anna and I teamed up and did shows together.  I hope you’ll have a listen!  Whether we’re dog or horse people or not, there’s much to be learned within this “arena”.  :0)

In addition to the podcasts I’ve also posted some of my experiences with animal connection/animal communication.

I’m grateful to the Creature Kingdom for being such an incredible, wise and gentle teacher!  And I’m grateful for each and every one of us who sees the connection, learns from the wisdom and shares it with others.

Peace & Love in Harmony…  Debra

* This post was inspired by a friend from Intent.com,  Jeanette Maw in her post entitled:  “Dog Whisperer Wisdom for Manifesters”.

Because they are an endangered species, special care is taken to keep them from harm while they rest.  Seal Volunteers erect a make shift private nap area for them with yellow ropes and some “keep out–seals are napping” posts with signage explaining the species.

This particular day these two very young, recently weened seals were sunning themselves.  They apparently warrented quite a lot of attention and some marine biologists were there to do some tests and tagging.  This seemed to stress the seals very much and Destin and I decided we would keep vigil with the seals, sending them comfort, love and protection energy until the testing was complete.  While we sat and held space for the seals I received a messaage from them.

The seals asked me to write a children’s book sharing their message.  Years later, while living on Kauai we turned my book into a musical play and our homeschool group performed the play around the island sharing the Message of Sonora and Ipshu, Two Amazing Hawaiian Monk Seals!

Here is an excerpt from the book detailing the heart of the message I received:

“…My sister and I were amazed; we continued to listen with all our hearts as the seals continued to talk with us.  They said, “Our hope is that one day we will not need our “special guest” ropes any more. We dream of a time when all beings trust as we trust.  We believe this can happen if we just pay attention to a few simple things.  Here is what we ask of the people kingdom.”  “Would you be awake in the choices you make?  Would you do things because you’ve thought them through and you’ve thought about how each living thing may be affected by you?  Would you treat all others as if they were your brothers?  Would you love freely…could you do that, really?  Would you give without needing to get?  Oh, that would be awesome, just awesome, we bet!  Would you give up all fear and stand up tall?  Would you know that you’re never alone, no never at all?  When you look in my eyes, could you see yourself?  Would you know that we’re partners in all that we’re dealt?”

“This is a message to our friends in the people kingdom.  We are love.  We come from love.  We’ve come to show you love.  You are love.  You come from love.  You come to show us love.  We are love.  We are one.”  “You understand us.  You know what we need.  You feel us in you heart; your heart we will feed.  You hear us!  Thank you for hearing us.  Thank you for listening and paying attention.  Thank you for loving us; this deserves honorable mention!”

My sister and I could not believe our ears!  What a great message; we’d have to be sure to remember all of it so that we could share it with the world.  We sent love from our hearts to the seals and thanked them for sharing with us.  As we did we heard them tell us just a little bit more.  “This day on the beach getting to know you was fun.  We’re glad you’ve gotten to know us; now we know we’re all one!  Please laugh with us, snooze with us, feel the warmth of the sun!  Please feel with us, learn with us and tell everyone!…”

~excerpt from:  “Sonora and Ipshu~An Extraordinary Day at the Beach”  The story of a brilliant message of Hope, Love & Peace told by two Hawaiian Monk Seals.

During the writing of the book we were in the process of adopting our daughter, Alea from Kazakhstan.  As a way to connect with Alea and the children at the orphanage during the months prior to the adoption we hired an art teacher to go into the orphanage to create pictures for my book.  We had the story translated into Russian and offered guidelines for the artful pages.  The children LOVED the project and each week we’d receive another envelope filled with bright, energetic paintings to be included in the book.  The children has never seen seals before, much less say beaches, tropical mountains, oceans, etc.  This project opened a whole new world to the children…and a bond between us and our new daughter.  The pictures included in this post are just two of the lovely images that await gracing the pages of my book.

“Sonora and Ipshu“ has yet to be published…the message is timeless, and yet perfectly timely.  I welcome any publishing leads or suggestions.  :0)

To Opening Hearts, Erasing Boundaries, and sharing messages of Hope, Peace and Love!

In Harmony~Debra

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