• Skylight Paths Publishing 1st Printing November 2003; 2nd Printing October 2004
• Corpus Collosum LTD Indian Edition 2005 What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality ISBN 818197290
• Koesel Verlag German Translation 2006 Tiere Wissen Mehr ISBN 3466367050

Introduction to What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (ISBN 1893361845)

Big Bear Lake, CA
Animals serve as a link to the intuitive and to the divine. You cannot be around animals for any amount of time and not learn something. For me, this means hidden lessons beyond the pragmatic training relationships and application of behavioral theories.

In this book, I will give you tools: methods and examples designed to give you a better understanding of animals; knowledge necessary to achieve clear communication and establish mutual respect; and illustrations of how animals help us tap into our spiritual natures and catalyze personal growth. Each level of growth ties into all the others, for we are a complete unit, not segments.

Spiritual maturation throughout life can be like climbing a spiritual ladder. Every rung contains specific lessons, and as you complete each module, you step up to the next level. However, you might go up and down the ladder multiple times. The same is true of personal growth; sometimes we repeat lessons until we get them.

In organizing this book, I designed the first seven chapters to represent seven archetypal rungs. The first rung includes basic survival beliefs, and the rungs ascend to acts of faith, prayer, and meditative thought patterns that comprise the seventh.

All chapters introduce you to the feathered, finned, scaled, and furred creatures who served as my students and teachers. Each section incorporates more animals than the one whose name graces the chapter title.

"Loyalty of the Dog" introduces us not only to dogs, but also to elephants, a sea lion, musk oxen, and some fabulous felines. In discussions about relationships, I relate stories that reflect themes of responsibility, balance, fairness, integrity, power, loyalty, honor, and justice.

"Playfulness of the Otter" illustrates the importance of hard work, relaxation, and play. In addition to taking a close look at our rapport with others, this chapter explores the inner child, physical desires, and persistence. We'll look at control, judgments, emotions, creativity, and the energy behind choices, guided by a menagerie of canines, marine mammals, a horse, and a cat.

"Power of the Polar Bear" seduces us into the world of physical power and emotional strength and impels us to investigate intuition, empowerment, self-acceptance, and confidence. Bears, cats, insects, and coyotes escort us.

"Heart of the Lion" helps us delve into compassion and love while reminding us to focus on our relationships and urging us to face our adversaries. You'll meet TJ the mongrel and glimpse the world of animal rescue and dog training.

"Call of the Wolf" is purely a canine discourse, where wolves and domestic dogs lead the way through surrender, confession, acceptance, listening, and tuning into nature.

"Vision of the Eagle" helps us look at far-sightedness, inner vision, detachment, discernment, mindfulness, and letting go. Eagles, pelicans, bats, and bears serve as our instructors.

"Mind of the Dolphin" encourages us to probe the topics of harmony, synchronicity, and the importance of breathing. Our conductors include both domestic and wild animals.

The eighth chapter plays a different role from those of the first seven. "Wisdom of the Owl" includes practical instruction on how to develop your skills to connect with animals and, ultimately, with the divine.

Finally, the Afterword is designed to stimulate your thoughts about animals in the afterlife. "Creatures of the Divine" briefly examines the question of animal souls. Join me on this quest and discover what animals can teach us about spirituality.

For more information visit the official animal book website here.