What animal lovers have known all along...

“I’m incredulous at how much stuff is coming out all the time on animal emotions and the general rubric of animal cognition. We’re rewriting our stereotypes about animals with good scientific data,” says Marc Bekoff, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. “What’s really exciting about all of this [data] is that it has huge implications for how we interact with, and treat, other animals.”

Marc Bekoff is quoted in this interesting article which basically confirms what we've known all along - that animals are as bright as we think they are. That they DO experience "human-type" emotions and that our pet's health is influenced by the nature of their environment.

It seems quite obvious to me, but now it must be fact - 'cause science says so!

The evolution of the horsehuman relationship

Slowly the wheels turn, as evidence of our relationships with these timeless creatures continues to evolve. Horses have patiently waited for human beings to wake up and recognise their value.

That to be more horse-like is to finally have the courage to deepen the relationship we have with ourselves.

That to be more horse-like allows us to discover the freedom of living an authentic life.

That to be more horse-like, we can begin to experience true presence and the bliss of being...

I am so excited about being alive, on Earth now. To see the changes and feel the new energy as it shifts mindsets, making us question who we are. I too have been looking for answers to endless questions. So I am grateful that a horse led me to a place where I could fling myself down a path, eyes closed, guided by a sense of wonder and purpose, to arrive here now. All the painful steps along this journey have gotten me a place where I finally understand, and can guess what some of the answers to those questions might be.

That to be more horse-like is to be patient with those slow to understand.

That to be more horse-like is to be graceful and dignified...

Still so many lessons to be learned...

Labyrinth of Animal Remembrance

The Labyrinth of Animal Remembrance can be found at Satori Place of Healing & Enlightenment in Magaliesburg, South Africa. This unique healing centre caters for both animals and humans and is situated at the foothills of the Witwatersberg Mountains in a tranquil valley.

This stone labyrinth is dedicated to all God’s creatures, and is mainly walked by students attending the Animals: Our Soul Companions Workshop, which is taught at the centre. Participants paint the names of their animal companions who have crossed over, onto pebbles, and place them at an appropriate spot along the path as they walk. It is an unique and interactive manner of honouring their departed animals. Over time the names on the pebbles will weather and fade, just as the pain and loss of a beloved animal eases with time. Chunks of rose quartz crystals dominate the centre, for healing the heart and to symbolise the unconditional love we receive from our animal companions.

Over the years both Colleen and I have encountered many people who were grieving the loss of a beloved animal, so we created the labyrinth to assist them to find inner peace in their hearts and minds, assisting them to cope with their loss.

Labyrinths have existed for over 4000 years and can be found throughout the world. In medieval times, people undertook pilgrimages to distant lands, those unable to travel long distances walked the labyrinth found in some cathedrals instead. The spiralling designs of ancient labyrinths are thought to be inspired by nature and in keeping with the early earth religions were constructed from stones, pebbles, small trees, shrubs and even seashells.

The Labyrinth of Animal Remembrance is open to the public by appointment only.
Payment is in the form of a donation in aid of FOR A (friends of rescued animals) on the West Rand. To book an appointment you can contact Carol .