The first question I often hear from people is "How did you learn how to communicate with animals. Can I learn how too?" The answer is--you already do.
To become a reliable--"on call" communicator takes humility, confidence and patience.
But it's not rocket science... other than being a kissing cousin to quantum physics and things like non-locality. If you are wanting to hear the quiet whispers of the natural world, to deepen your bond with your animal friends, start by creating open space. Make time to step away from stuff and sounds not created by nature. Though it might take real effort to swim against the consumer culture's dominant current, trust that you'll soon remember how to listen from the quiet, open spaces where your heart lives.
Be a gentle but firm Wild Rebel. Choose tranquility, healthy spiritual and dietary practices while avoiding negative energies (people, places, thought patterns.) Get regular exercise, fresh air.
Create healthy open space. Then spend a few minutes each day asking your companion animals what's going on and thanking them for their friendship. Say, "I'm listening." Then just wait.
Wait some more. Enjoy the time. My feral kitty Paddy might answer the question workshop students ask--how to communicate better with their own animal companions - with this: "Stop." As your practice continues you'll find yourself spending unstructured time in nature without an agenda. I highly recommend daily meditation of any kind, including walking practices in the woods, mind-body practices like Yoga, QiGong and Tai Chi. Expressive arts and playing with children.
Singing is wonderful as it opens the throat.
Ask your animals and guides to work with you.
Your "wiring" is unique, so comparing yourself to others isn't accurate or constructive.
Attend workshops with different professional communicators. Have a spiritual practice... animals can sense humility and good intentions.
Listen to Penelope Smith's tape series, read books, attend workshops, but be aware that this is a skill that isn't served best by an academic approach. I personally like the organic approach, experiencing intuitive communication with animals before reading too much about it.
Open your heart, stay grounded, listen, ask with loving kindness and thank each and every animal teacher who appears as if by magic to guide you on your journey. Like the birds migrating across the skies of autumn, you're in good company. Good luck, my friend, and have fun with it!
By Susan Hamlin