As I was observing my small herd of donkeys the other day, it suddenly donned on me how much these special equines have to teach us about HOW TO LIVE! With their BIG ears, they are either listening or are ready to listen in a nano-second. Their doe-lie eyes are constantly looking, yet they are still playful and relaxed. Moving from relaxed to alert is natural for donkeys or alert to relaxed-either way works for donkeys!
They often love hugs and will ask for affection without apology! Being close to another is “a given” for donkeys and they will seek closeness from both humans and other donkeys. Have they read the research on health and close relationships? Maybe they didn’t have to read it; for them, it is a “no-brainer.” BEST FRIENDS are notorious in the donkey world…no donkey is without a best friend.
The donkeys STAY CURIOUS-something I am often telling my patients when it comes to feelings and human emotional dynamics! They demonstrate their curiosity in all sorts of ways-big ears listening, forward and alert or leaned back or out to the side; nose to the ground inspecting what is in front of them or heads up-all systems alert!
Donkeys rest WHENEVER THEY NEED TO and they PLAY when the “spirit moves them.” They run, jump and kick up their heals with no embarrassment or apology! They listen to their bodies and eat when they are hungry; they do not skip meals or worry about their weight and in fact, never turn down a treat!
And guess what…donkeys use their VOICE and allow themselves to be heard!
If only we humans could be more like donkeys!
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