The Ancient Wisdom of Meditations With Animals: Explore the Native American Bestiary

Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a means to achieve relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness. One unique aspect of meditation is the ability to connect with different elements of nature, including animals. Native American cultures have long valued the significance and symbolism of animals in their spiritual practices and beliefs. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of meditations with animals, specifically exploring the Native American Bestiary.

Understanding the Native American Bestiary

The Native American Bestiary, also known as animal totems or spirit animals, is a collection of animals that hold deep meaning and serve as guides or messengers throughout one's spiritual journey. Each animal possesses unique traits and qualities that are believed to resonate with specific individuals. These animal totems are thought to offer protection, guidance, and insight into one's life.

Meditations with Animals: A Native American Bestiary

by Gerald Hausman (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3523 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

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Connecting with Spirit Animals through Meditation

To establish a connection with your spirit animal, meditating can play a significant role. Meditations with animals allow individuals to tap into the energy and wisdom of these creatures, aiding in personal growth and spiritual development. By scanning your mind and body, focusing on your breath, and actively seeking to connect with your spirit animal, you open yourself to their guidance and teachings.

Finding Your Spirit Animal

Discovering your spirit animal is a deeply personal and transformative experience. There are various methods to uncovering your spirit animal, such as guided meditations, dream interpretation, or simply paying attention to recurring encounters with certain animals in your daily life. Native American elders and shamans can also provide insights and assistance in identifying your spirit animal.

Animal Symbolism in Native American Culture

Animals play a vital role in Native American culture, representing various qualities and teachings. Here are a few examples of animal symbolism:

The Wolf

The wolf is a powerful symbol for strength, loyalty, and family. Native American tribes often looked to the wolf as a guide for successful hunting and survival. Meditating with the wolf can help individuals tap into their inner strength and intuition.

The Eagle

The eagle symbolizes freedom, vision, and spiritual enlightenment. Native American tribes revered the eagle for its ability to soar high above and gain a wider perspective of the world. Meditating with the eagle can bring clarity and guidance in your spiritual journey.

Benefits of Meditations with Animals

Meditations with animals offer numerous benefits for individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual connectedness:

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Connecting with your spirit animal enables you to better understand your strengths, weaknesses, and desires. This self-awareness leads to increased personal development and a deeper sense of purpose.

Improved Intuition

Animals possess an inherent understanding of their surroundings and can teach us to tune in to our intuition. Meditating with animals helps individuals develop their intuitive abilities, making better decisions and trusting their instincts.

Harmony with Nature

Native American tribes respected and lived in harmony with nature. Through meditations with animals, individuals can reconnect with the natural world, fostering a sense of appreciation, environmental consciousness, and a deeper connection to the Earth.

Meditations with animals based on the Native American Bestiary offer profound insights and spiritual growth opportunities. By connecting with your spirit animal and exploring its symbolism, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Embrace the ancient wisdom of Native American cultures and embark on a transformative journey through meditations with animals.

Meditations with Animals: A Native American Bestiary

by Gerald Hausman (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3523 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

FREE

Published in 1986, Meditations with Animals was the first bestiary ever compiled from Native Americans showing the guiding roles animals have played in their spiritual history. These stories and poems contain the rites and rituals of a variety of tribes, depicting a world unified by the belief that the animal spirit dwells within each of us. With the power given him by the animals, man can transcend his earthly world and enter into a unique oneness with things seen and not seen by the senses. “In this collection of verse and story", says Thomas Berry in his , "we are brought into the primordial community of the universe, the Earth, and all living things.”