From Libby: “There is nothing better in life than the gift of friendship. I live with several other donkey friends and we are all family. We all went through some very hard times together. Some of our friends didn’t make it through. But the seven of us did and we all ended up here together. We are all very grateful that we got to stay together. We are a group and we are all here on a mission. Each one of us is different. We are all here for different reasons. We all think differently. We all see the world a little differently. Yet we are all donkeys. But you have to look deeper than our physical bodies. We don’t look at all of you and say, ‘oh, it’s a human.’ We don’t assume that you are all just alike. Each of us in this world is here to offer something unique. So, step forward and show us what you’re here for! The world is waiting to hear your voice, see through your eyes, and to know what you know. We’re all ears.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Kernel: “Sometimes I get afraid of things. Usually it is because I don’t understand my own strength inside. I have always been one to find safety in hiding from things. But that is not always the best way to do things. I’m a simple kind of guy. That doesn’t make me stupid. But it doesn’t make me easy either. I get lost in my own thoughts and fears sometimes. I see my human friends struggle with that sometimes too. It’s easy to do. There is no easy trail inside our brains. It’s not always well lit. And sometimes there are unexpected pitfalls and unlevel land and scary things along the way. Our imaginations can get the best of us sometimes. Worry can take us down roads that go nowhere, only to find out that we have to find our way back to the right path. I know because I’ve been there. Some of the scariest things I find in life are in my own thoughts and not what is physically in front of me. I bet that is true for you too. We need to help one another then. We need to all stay calm and focused. I think we’d be well served by that.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Meredith: “Sometimes, the simplest things in life can bring us the greatest pleasure. Chasing a shadow on the floor. Playing with a piece of paper. Snuggling up and purring with a friend. Watching a bird out the window. Listening to the rain on the roof. Watching a bee on a flower. Learning to pretend to sleep if humans talk about cutting your toenails. I love to rest with my friends on a lazy day. I love to listen to the birds singing outside. There are so many little things that are huge treasures. But it is up to us to find them and hold onto them, even if for a fleeting moment. Even the smallest of pleasures can hold the largest of spaces in our hearts.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Ginny: “I have known so many different aspects of my life. From a race horse to a horse who pulled a buggy and then to a horse who had a foot injury and was not sure I’d ever have a pain-free day again. I’ve known failure. I’ve known defeat. I’ve felt let down, down trodden, and hopeless. But, you know what is most amazing? Every one of those things changed me and my understanding about life. And every one of those situations was an opportunity. And, even more importantly, each one of those things changed. Nothing stayed permanent. Some of those things were tough. Some were terrifying. But each of them was a step to get me to where I am today. My life is amazing actually. I found a place to help my foot and after lots of rehab and work, I am pain-free. I get to run fast as I can but not on a track, but in a pasture with my friends. I don’t have to pull anything anymore, except when I pull my carrot trick or I pester my friend Nell by pulling a fast one on her sometimes. My path didn’t look like it would take me to where I am today. But it did. So, if you find yourself feeling lost, just keep walking. Don’t give up. Things will change. They always do.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Felix: “I’ve been hearing that people are bored. Now that is a silly thing. If you are feeling bored, then I think you are stuck inside your head too long. Time to get up and stretch through your heart and let your mind just step to the side. Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the sun. If you live near where I do, there has not been much sun lately. And I understand being cooped up and wanting to get out. Winters sometimes get long for us here too. But, when that happens to me I do something different. I think about what good things I have. Gratitude and appreciation are really good healing energies. So, if you are feeling bored and need something to do, here is an idea. Start making a list of all the things you are grateful for in your life. Include every little thing. Like smart donkeys for example. Yes, please remember donkeys. Think of your dogs and cats. Maybe you have a cute little rodent you like. Oops, I guess they are not rodents to you but you know what I mean, those loveable little critters you have in your homes. I don’t get that but whatever pleases you is all that matters. Just plant your seeds of gratitude and appreciation and watch how fast they grow. You’ll be amazed.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
Ok, we all need a good uplifting moment on this dreary day. (At least its dreary here in Central New York State) How can you not laugh watching our sheep, Mary, prancing around today. Come on, I dare you not to smile.
From Fozzy: “I love being outside on starry nights. I love the peace and stillness. I also love to lay in the sun and feel the warmth seep through my body. And there is nothing quite as wonderful as rolling in the mud after a good rain. Usually, every day I can find something that is my favorite thing to do. I think it’s good to end a day by thinking about what was the best thing for the day. I am grateful for my friends except when one of them snores too loud at night. And I am grateful for the human friends who care for us. They have good hearts. They bring good food. But most importantly, they are kind. I like those kinds of hearts the best. And now, if you excuse me, it is time for me to go eat, which will be my favorite thing right now to do.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Cami: “Once upon a time, I had a friend who was a little girl. I’m sure she’s not so little anymore. She didn’t belong to me, nor I to her, but we were not strangers either. She belonged to the family next door to where I lived at the time. I was just a youngster, not even full grown, and still with my mother. On summer days, the girl would come to visit at the fence. Her blond hair blowing in the wind like mine did too. She giggled a lot, most especially when she saw me coming. I loved to visit her. She’d pick yellow flowers and put them in her hair. She even tried to put them in mine. But I ate them. That made her giggle all the more. When I close my eyes, I can still see her blond hair and I can still hear her giggle. I have never forgotten her friendship. I hope she remembers mine. These are the moments that seem almost superficial at the time, taken for granted. But I can tell you that the memory of that young girl has gotten me through some very dark times. It’s important to treasure your memories.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Merlin: “Life is like eating a grape. If you squeeze too hard, it pops and all the good juice runs out before you can savor it all. But if you take your time and peel back the layers, you can enjoy eating the pulp and the juice and savor each part of it as you go. Young people try to squeeze everything they can as quickly as possible and miss half of the good stuff because they discard it as waste. But as we mature, we understand that there is more to life that we were not seeing or understanding. We learn to breathe more deeply and move a little more consciously so as to observe more of what we are experiencing. And in that moment, we understand that we were missing so much before. It’s never too late to savor each moment. It’s never too late to appreciate all that you find. That is the beauty of growing older.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Lizzie: “One of the greatest sounds in the world to me is the sound of my fellow friends munching grass or hay. There is a comfort in the rhythm of the moment. We are all fellow travelers. It has given me pain to feel the sting of people walking by and not noticing us. Sometimes horses are not understood for what we truly bring. We are not just a thing to place your saddle upon and go out for a ride. There is more to us than that. In fact, some of you hardly know us at all. You don’t think about our thoughts or emotions or where we are in our lives. You just come and expect us to be there for you when you need us. We are very happy to be there with you. But we also care about what you’re thinking and feeling and doing with your lives. Not just when you’re on top of us, but also when you are miles away. Sometimes you even feel miles away when you are standing right beside us. We feel for you. We are here with you. And we love it most when you are understanding us as well.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Cornelius: “I have always felt that humans needed to slow down, speak more softly, and listen more often. When you move too quickly and are always chatting and not listening, then you are only partially engaged in your life. Many of you pound your way through life. But if you listen closely to your own heart, you could learn something. Your heart beats and pauses and beats and pauses. The pause is as important as the beat. When you are pounding your way through life, you are missing the pause, and you will only live half the life you were meant to. How do I know this? Because I’ve been studying the human heart and way of being for a long time. Animals understand you better than you understand yourselves.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Jacob (sheep): “I haven’t been here for long and I may not be the most talkative or wise of animals. But I do understand that we all need one another and we shouldn’t judge each other. Sometimes people hold you too tight not because they want to trap you but because they are hanging on to the only thing that they have left. I think we need to remember to be kind to them. Someone kept me like that once, not because they were mean to me, but because it was the only way they could hold on to me, and the only peace they knew. No one should be judged poorly for doing the best they can. I understood that and I don’t judge that. Everyone needs to be cared for, whether you are a sheep or a human, we all have a right to be loved and treated kindly. And let’s not judge others whom we don’t understand what is happening with them. Maybe they are doing the best that they can and maybe they need help instead of criticism.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
I have noticed a few things over the past few weeks since so many of us have been in shut down. At first, I kept telling myself that it was my imagination. But then several people have been asking me, “Dawn, have you noticed that the birds are singing so much louder this year?” Yes, indeed, I have been noticing the same thing.
Nature is rejoicing in the fact that humans have slowed down and many of us are suddenly listening in a different way. Some, in fact, for the first time. For those of you who have taken my workshops here at the farm, you will recognize this from when we did the exercises on “being present” and how the animals responded. When humans suddenly quiet within themselves, nature rejoices. When humans start listening with their hearts and become present in a moment, animals and all of nature responds.
Some of you may be experiencing this in new ways for yourself. Colors may suddenly seem brighter. The birds seem louder. Stars are brighter. And for many of these things it is because in just this brief time of slow down mode, the environment is healthier. There is less air pollution. There is less noise. There is less commotion. And humans are starting to notice that something is different.
I shot this video first thing this morning as the sun was rising over the farm and the animals were beginning to stir as the human caretakers began to arrive. Eventually, we need to “un-pause” and return to operating again. But, could we all take a collective breath, look at what is around us, and fully realize the difference we can make just by altering our behavior. The Earth is taking a breath and is inviting us to listen to her heartbeat. If you go outside, breathe from your heart and allow yourself to feel present in the moment, you will feel that heartbeat. Savor that. We need to remember this moment and take it in. The Earth needs us to do this.
From Brandy: “It is an honor to be a horse and to live among my other horse friends. I don’t think people fully realize the sensitivity and the connection that horses have to the planet as a whole. We feel things deeply. We can feel the beat of the earth through our feet. We understand a lot. Horses have been quietly connecting humans to the Earth for centuries. You have seen us in various lights. You have utilized us in various ways. And many of us have been misunderstood and misused by humans as well. But, we always stay true to loving you for the beautiful creatures that you are. This is your time now to understand your own sensitivity and love and compassion. You come fully equipped with a heart that is magnificent. Horses have always understood that, even when you have not. It’s time to let your hearts be free. You are compassionate and loving creatures by your very nature. Anything other than that has been poor training. It’s time to be free. All of us horses are waiting for you to finally see the truth of who you are and why you are so beautiful. But only you can set yourselves free. We are waiting. We are here.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Cumin: “Now don’t you even dare go thinking what could a Guinea Pig have to offer! I’m a fairly deep thinker you know. Guinea pigs are frequently overlooked. We are pure joy in a little furry body. But we are not just for anyone either. I appreciate many things in life. I don’t get to see a whole heck of a lot as in traveling around much. But I see with my heart. I am here for the pure joy of being alive. My world is filled with richness of sights and sounds and tastes. Taste is particularly joyful. My very nature is built for bringing joy. As a guinea pig I am built for spinning and twirling and jumping for joy. I am also exemplary at squealing with delight. And I think deep soulful thoughts. Yes, indeed, I am wiser than most even realize. And I share that wisdom with those who truly understand me. Be sure to explore life. That is what you are here for. Humans need to be more inquisitive I think.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Honeybun: “I am a cat. Now, I know you saw my picture and realized that of course. However, not everyone understands or appreciates what being a cat really means. I have lots to offer. I chose wisely to be in a cat form. What I love most about being a cat is the ability to interact with humans. You see, I love people. I love sharing with people and making them feel better. People carry a lot of heavy energy. It is my job to help them with that. It’s sort of like exercising. I have to keep working and working at some people just to get them to laugh. So here is my offering to you today. To everyone who hears this message, do me a favor. Find one thing today to make you laugh. It can be something simple. If you have a cat, it might be easy. Cats are always resourceful at finding something funny to do. Dogs can be funny too in their dog kind of way. But cats of course are smarter. It just is so. And, if you don’t have a cat, I’ll leave you with one last thought. Why not? Cats need more people to need them. That’s why we are here.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Henry: “I think it is important for everyone to understand that sometimes you need to be patient with one another. Not everyone shows their pain the same way. In fact, there are those out there who look super confident and you think that nothing bothers them, yet they are facing great pain and challenges but they don’t let you see it. There are more of you out there than you realize. I speak from personal experience. Some people have looked at me and thought I was sort of a boring or empty kind of horse. It is true that I don’t have the flare and pizazz of some other horses. I am not outgoing and a socialite like some of the other horses. I am not loud or cute or snuggly or wise even. I am just quietly waiting in my space. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve lost a lot. I was seen as almost a robot or toy for many years of my life. People thought I couldn’t perform well. But no one asked why. I feel a lot of heaviness in people’s hearts. I get that. But every one of you can help heal another heart by simply caring. Compassion and love are the greatest healing agents on the planet. And each of you has that to give. No one is ever without pain or challenges. But our strength comes from sharing our kindness.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Middie: “I love to move around and check out different things in my life. I’m curious about everything. The more I can learn about anything in life, the better. Sometimes we take what we learn for granted. Learning requires us first to be curious and second to accept the idea of new information. Learning asks us to be uncomfortable at times. I notice that humans are relatively smart creatures. But, if you ask me, you all are not that comfortable with your curiosity. You hide from it all the time. It would seem to me that you would want to ask more questions, get to explore new things, and learn more about all around you. What I notice is that humans try to keep things the same all the time. What a boring life! I’ll tell you one thing, I wouldn’t trade being a cat for anything. Wake up your curiosity. Explore. Ask questions. Don’t get stuck in your routine and think that is all there is. There is so much more!”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Edith: “I love to look at colors. Have you truly ever noticed the different colors in everything? Morning colors are also different than evening colors. And darkness is never really all dark. If you find yourself thinking that things are the same and dull or boring, then you need to readjust your vision. Sometimes we expect something to look a certain way and our expectation becomes what we think we see. Like you may look at me and not suspect that I care so much about colors because you may think pigs wouldn’t care about such things. You have to be open to surprises and the unexpected. That is what learning is about. We all should be looking at one another for new things. Let’s take our old expectations off and put on new lenses to look through. I’ll bet some of you don’t think a pig could be saying all of this. Well, that’s why I’m here. Come visit us sometime. But leave your old ideas behind and come on in for a new vision.
(Note from Dawn: Edith is a great ambassador and we are extremely grateful to have her here. Right now, our facility remains closed to visitors due to the COVID outbreak. But we look forward to when we can open again. In the meantime, you have to visit Edith intuitively. She will LOVE that!)
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Carley: “Singing. I appreciate having a magnificent voice to sing with. Donkeys are here for the pure joy of understanding the connection to all of life. You know, you may meet me and think I am a little thing. Well, a little cute thing that is. But don’t get distracted by my size. I may be smaller than these gigantic horses, but I carry loads in a different way. Donkeys understand how to carry things and I don’t just mean physical things. There is a harmony to the planet. There is a synchronicity to the sun rising and the sun setting and the moon going through its phases. We are ancient creatures who haven’t lost our understanding of that. You humans seem to have misplaced yours. But you can find it again. The donkey voice sings in harmony with the vibration of the earth. Come meet us sometimes and we’ll show you.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Dusty: “I’ve been realizing that humans are really stressed right now. We can feel it in the air here with our caretakers. When we cats have issues like this that are stressful, we try to stick together. Sometimes all it takes is for one of us to start purring and it goes through the room like a soothing lullaby to the others. Often another will start purring too. When we know one of our friends is not feeling well and is stressed, we try to comfort them by staying nearby and offering support. It takes so little really to do that. I’m thinking that if some of you could start humming or smiling or some human equivalent to purring (although you humans seem to lack an appropriate mechanism to do that), that it might just help others feel more comforted. Your greatest human strength, indeed your super power, is your compassion. You have great ability to love one another. I think you should start doing that now. The sooner the better. You’ll notice a change right away.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Luna: “Yesterday, you heard from my pony friend Charlie. Geesh, he truly does think he is a prince. But, I can tell you that sometimes he shares some of his hay with me as my stall is right next to his. He is a good neighbor. It is great to know the comfort of friends. I am grateful for that in my life. I am even more grateful when I know I can make someone laugh. While you are all so worried about things, you could be taking great comfort in reaching out to one another about all the things that make you happy in life. Sometimes we need to readjust our priorities. Well, to be honest, goats don’t have that problem as much as humans. I feel sorry for all of you. I’m told that some of you are bored. I can’t comprehend that. Goats always can find something interesting to do. Spring is here! There is lots to go outside to look at. And there’s lots to eat! Dawn just told me that food might not be a good thing to talk about right now. Being a human seems like it’s tough. I’m so glad I’m a goat.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
From Charlie: “I’m hearing that some people are feeling very lost and alone. I understand this. There was a time in my life where I stood all alone in a field. No one was there to care for me. I could see humans go by and no one paid any attention. It was like I didn’t exist. So let me speak to you from my experience. Even when things seem at their worst, sometimes we have to dig into reserves we didn’t even know we had. We need to keep telling ourselves that this will pass. Because it will. It always does. Nothing ever stays the same forever. Life moves. Things change. And you will know the comfort of other’s again in your life. I went from feeling empty to feeling like a little prince. I probably shouldn’t say this or they may take my princedom away. But, I look back on those lonely days now with great appreciation for what I have now. The storm will pass. The clouds will lift. The sun will shine. Your life will be different. But different is better. Just keep moving forward. You will see that I am right. I always am! —- the Little Prince.”
In an effort to help us all through the stress, fear, and challenges faced by the COVID-19 virus, we are posting an animal message a day. (All messages through animal communicator/co-founder Dawn Hayman) The animals were each asked: What do you feel appreciation for in your life? Or “What would you like to share?”
This past week we saw sunshine and temps near 60 degrees here in Central NY. While life in lockdown is challenging and is bringing up a lot of fear in many people, it is helpful to remember that life is continuing on, uninterrupted on our planet. Spring is springing. The song birds are returning in great numbers and birdsong fills the air. The peepers have started their evening serenade. The trees are budding. And the ground is gently opening as fresh shoots peek out of the ground, waking from their winter slumber. I was so excited this week to see the first daffodil bloom in our garden. It made me think of how excited our elderly horses feel when they see the grass turning green and they know they’ve made it through another winter and become renewed again with the spring and the fresh grass. And, it makes me remember the ones who left us and found a different kind of spring off of this earth, although we miss them. That first daffodil brought so many emotions up in me.
Today, that pleasant taste of spring was abruptly disrupted by one more shot of cold air, wind, and snow. As I got our mail this afternoon, I was moved again by a daffodil. This one, which I captured in this photo, was one lone, brave, pioneering daffodil who bloomed way before the rest of the daffodils around her, still waiting to make their debut. This one came early. I saw her drooped head as she struggled to remain upright in the snow and wind. Alone. And I thought how stunningly profound her message is for all of us right now.
Many of us are feeling just like this lone daffodil. Cut off from the lives that we became used to as our normal routine. Segregated away from friends and family and sometimes feeling alone in a cold and desolate world. Yet, this one daffodil is actually the bravest and brightest of all. She defied all odds and brought herself out of her slumber for all the world to see. She gives us hope of a new day. She brings us a reminder that spring really is here in spite of the snow. She teaches us that each of us has a beauty and light to shine and each one of us is unique with that light. She shows us that now, more than ever, it is time to shine our lights and let our beauty blossom. This is our time.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re alone and things just seem to be hopeless, remember this daffodil who came to remind us all that now is the time to dig deep within ourselves for that inner strength that fills our core and shines bright despite the wind and cold and snow.
As nature reminds us with the seasons, there are times for resting and going deep within. There are times for growth and renewal. And there are times for planting seeds to bring life to others who need sustenance that we can provide. We are all in this together. We need one another, now more than ever. Each of us, in our own way, is like this daffodil. And each of us will bloom exactly when we are supposed to and we will be the hope for another who needs encouragement to bloom as well. Shine your light and you will light the way for others who are lost in their own darkness.
Never, ever, give up on hope – no matter how much the wind blows, or how long the snow returns. Spring is always near.