Animals Are Our Most Incredible Teachers

The highest form of love is agape, otherwise known as unconditional love. It doesn't matter if the love we give is returned or not; we continue to love without any self-benefit. When friends love us unconditionally, we are truly blessed. And when we open our hearts, without expectations, we often experience a moment of absolute joy that goes beyond description. However, loving unconditionally, and being without expectations in our relationships is not easy. It takes a great deal of practice and mindfulness, often requiring a teacher to take us on a path that leads to reaching this goal. So I got to thinking about friendship the other day, when my dear friend Rani sent me an email, containing a link to an inspiring and insightful video, uploaded to YouTube by YAWHATEVER7. And as I watched it, listening to the beautiful background song, in a moment of clarity I understood the main reason why animals are so precious to me and perhaps also to many other people. After all, animals are the most incredible teachers of agape love in the world. They don't care if those they love are rich or poor; they could care less if they are physically attractive or highly intelligent. I suspect all that matters to them is that by loving, they experience love. Still many folks continue to believe that inter-species agape love is nearly impossible. Since dogs and cats are considered to be "natural enemies," how can deeply rewarding relationships exist between them? It is indeed fortunate for them that no one bothered to tell them this incredulous lie. In the words of the song in the musical "South Pacific," "You have to be carefully taught." Without sounding Pollyannaish, perhaps if the entire world would open to the teachings that animals offer us, we would not find ourselves living on a planet that is full of conflict and hate. So as the week draws to a close, I felt compelled to share a few minutes of true abiding love, which I offer unconditionally. Sit back, relax and watch the video over at YouTube. Enjoy. Image Source: Flickr user blue5ky