Every now and then I am blessed with a large number of guest teachers. At one workshop we welcomed a springer spaniel, 4 rats and 4 guinea pigs.
I enjoy teaching so much because I never know what’s going to happen and this makes each workshop a new and exciting experience. I guess I can compare it to my previous career in theatre where each show was live.
On one course Danny, a rat, was all lined up to teach and well up for it, but when it came to his moment he was stage struck and overwhelmed.
His friend’s Noodles and Turks were not shy, retiring types and they shouted for the opportunity to take centre-stage and climbed to the top of their cage desperate to get out.
We asked a number of questions and also their advice to humans.
I want to share their messages with you because your current knowledge of rats may be very little, non-existent or sadly, you may believe they are vermin, which need to be destroyed.
Noodles
Turk
Question to Noodles and Turk
“What’s your message to human kind?’
Here are some of the things they communicated to the students.
Noodles:
“Be generous.”
“Enjoy the little things.”
“Be more aware. You’re not on this planet alone.”
“Be tolerant and more patient with each other.”
“We are here for you. Be here for us. Stop your prejudice. Look up and learn to live together.”
Turks:
“Don’t be scared of rats. We are lovable and cuddly.”
“Be kind to each other.”
“Be kind to us, we get rid of your garbage.”
“Think and act more wisely.”
“Work more as a team. Everyone has a valid function.”
This is when animal communication comes in to its own. Once we start communicating with an animal we don’t understand our perspective changes and we start to develop a true understanding of who they are and how they feel.
If there is a species you’re not keen on, ask yourself why. Have they harmed you? Do they harm you? Or it some other reason that you’re against them?
Then I encourage you to communicate with them. Find out who they really are, what they feel, ask them about what they fear or love, their wishes and desires. Get to know them. Because when you do, you’ll find a friend not a stranger. Compassion. Connection. Communication.
