The Newsletter for Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals
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Welcome back to The Animal Talker. It hardly seems possible that a year has passed since I wrote about the thrilling adventures of a middle-aged mom, two teens, three dogs, and a cat locked up together in quarantine for months on end. (Spoiler alert, if you didn’t see that article, we made it through with barely any scars.) As I take stock of 2021, I find myself feeling extremely grateful for the wonderful things I have in my life including a business that not only made it through the worst of lockdown but thrived thanks to my many wonderful clients. I discovered a new way to teach that still allows me to connect deeply with my students even though we are miles apart through Zoom technology. After such a long stretch of not seeing friends in person, I hold the feeling of the first bear hug I received and the love that coursed through me in that embrace. Things that I took for granted such a short time ago are now precious beyond words.
As the new year approaches, I am already preparing for my first animal communication class of 2022. Teaching fills my soul with joy like nothing else. And now, through Zoom, I’m able to teach students far and wide. I would love to have you join me to learn to talk with animals for yourself. Here are just a few of the comments students have shared after participating in my Zoom Introduction to Animal Communication Class Series.
“Polly is a great instructor. I'm so glad that she took a chance on doing this course over Zoom. I would not have been able to schedule a full weekend, which is what has kept me from taking it in the past. It was very clear that Polly wanted to ensure we all got the most out of the class and the fact that she really cared about that was wonderful. This was a great experience for me!"
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“Polly, you show such depth of knowledge and express it in a clear and confident way. The entire class structure seemed like a natural way to teach information and let us put it to use.”
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“I found the class fun and full of great information. I am a retired Massage Therapist and have had exposure to some of these ideas. Studied Reiki as well but have really forgotten most of it. Oh my! I did not expect to be able to so easily connect with most of the animals I talked to. I have great confidence in my ability to talk to animals.”
Whether you attend a class or snuggle up with your animals at home, I wish you all a happy and healthy 2022.
Paws for Peace,
Polly Klein
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The Show
Last week I heard the first report of possible snow in our region. I always have mixed feelings when I know a storm is on the horizon. I love the vista from my front porch. The mountain I live on blanketed with pristine white snow. I find the soft patting sound of the flakes stacking upon each other enchanting and the feeling of the crunching snow squishing beneath my boots as I stomp about makes it nearly impossible to suppress a giddy smile. Once the landscape is enveloped in snow it is simply sublime.
At the same time, a winter weather storm raises a certain level of anxiety for me. The road up to my home is steep and becomes extremely slippery. I’m not a proficient driver in snow, so I tend to stock up on supplies ahead of time and hunker down. I’ve learned the hard way, having had to abandon my car at the bottom of the street far too many times. The hike home, slipping and sliding, chilled to the bone, is something I would be happy never to do again.
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A few years back, we had a huge snowstorm. The snow started in the late afternoon and came fast and thick for hours, rapidly piling up over a foot on the ground. As dusk was overcome by darkness, I bundled up to go out to the porch to take in the view. All was quiet and still. The trees were glowing in their white coats as the snow rested gracefully on their branches. It was glorious.
The sense of peace, as I expected, was short-lived. The road becomes steep a few houses before mine. Many people live further up the mountain, so many of them inevitably attempt to drive the road past my house. Attempt is the keyword, as many cars are simply unable to pass. I’ve watched this fiasco many times, with my stomach in a knot, seeing vehicles fishtailing, sliding uncontrollably into the culverts on the side of the road, or simply getting stuck at some precarious angle.
During this particular snowstorm, I had my two bearded collies, Kira and Seamus, living with me. Normally when I let them outside, they go into a large fenced area. As the snow fell, I decided I would let them be loose out front with me. My home is situated above street level with a pathway in front that leads to steps that go down to the driveway and street. As I stood on the path, the first car of the night came up the road. I didn’t see it, but I heard the distinctive sound of spinning tires. I instantly felt the acid feeling start in my stomach as I walked towards the end of the path to the top of the steps where I saw an SUV with its hazard lights blinking, stuck in the road. When there is one stuck vehicle more will surely follow.
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As I turned to walk back into the house, I noticed Kira and Seamus. They perched themselves on the top step looking out at the lit spectacle. I called them to come along with me as I walked back to the front door, but they were not budging. As I said, normally they are not loose in that location and if they were and someone were to walk by, they would do their obligatory barks to let everyone know there was something a little too close to their territory. Instead, they were completely silent and still. As we stood there, two more cars attempted to climb the road, one spinning in a quarter turn before coming to a stop and the other drifting off to the side of the road before coming to a halt. |
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The dogs did not move. They did not make a sound. They were, in a word, mesmerized. By this point, the drivers of the vehicles were out on the road, talking to each other, trying to figure out their next plan of action. I once again called the dogs and they reluctantly came with me, but as soon as they realized my intent was to go inside, they raced back to the top step and took up their posts glued to the activities below. They were not in rigid protective stances or concerned about strangers getting too near their home. They were just fascinated by the sounds, motions, lights, and commotion. The very things that triggered the feeling of dread in me appeared to be the best entertainment in the world to them and they didn’t want to miss a minute of it.
I’ve thought about that moment many times since that night. The three of us together, taking in the same view, yet having fundamentally different experiences. It’s a valuable reminder to me that in any situation, our thoughts about what is happening make all the difference in how we perceive what’s going on. Yes, I’m sure the owners of the cars were not having the best time of it, but my pups gave me a chance to look on this from their perspective, and my anxiety melted away as I was transfixed with them on the amber flashing lights blazing across the white snow, the chorus of voices echoing up the mountainside, and the figures circling in and out of the mess. It was really no different than watching a truly absorbing program on the television. And so, we stayed there, taking in the show.
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LEARN TO TALK WITH YOUR ANIMALS |
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This seven-session class will meet twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. pacific time on the following dates:
February 1st
February 3rd
February 8th
February 10th
February 15th
February 17th
February 21st
All class meetings will be held on Zoom
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Gift Certificates for Classes and Private Sessions make Purrfect Gifts for Your Animal Loving Friends and Family |
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Polly Klein, owner of Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals, is a nationally recognized animal communicator and healer. She is a licensed Small Animal Massage Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher and a Certified Animal CranioSacral Therapist. She sits on the board as Co-Secretary of the National Board of Animal Acupuncture and Massage Practitioners. Polly offers private sessions, for both large and small animals, in person and through remote sessions around the world. |
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Connect With Us
425-427-8028
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