Many people wonder why I get so excited about the opportunity to return to Earthfire Institute for A Walk on the Wild Side with wolves, bears, coyotes, foxes, mountain lion, and other wildlife. They tell me that they would be scared, that I am braver than they are, or just look at me skeptically, and I can tell they think I’m crazy.

And that is because they don’t understand that I’m not going to LOOK at wildlife. I’m returning to Earthfire to be BE with individuals with unique and distinct personalities. Wise ambassadors for each of their species; at our first event in 2010, the animals trusted us and welcomed us into their very special family.

There’s Mr. Pinkerton, the almost blind Canadian lynx, whose courage and ability to live in the moment continue to inspire me. Sitting in a sunny meadow with our group and having him calmly walk amongst us was an extraordinary experience. As he walked, it was clear that he was relying on other senses, that he could feel our love for him, and that he appreciated it. And when he brushed up against me, I felt a thrill like nothing I had known before, and my spirit soared with joy.

And there’s Jenny, a wary 40-something-year-old wild burro whom I established a relationship with through communication and Reiki. Her old bones appreciated the offering, and she would actually attempt to drive the other burros away in order for us to spend some one-on-one time together.

And I will never forget Cucumber, the timber wolf who bravely entered a place she had never been in before to meet our group—strangers to her—because she believed in our mission to co-create a world where all species could all live together in harmony and understanding. She trusted Susan and Jean, her loving bridges to others, and how she extended that trust to our group I will count as one of the most incredible and powerful moments of my life.

And then there’s buffalo Bluebell, who always joined with us in ceremony and whose response to the energy of our group reminded me of a very happy 1,000-pound puppy!

Feather the fox greeted us with fox manners and taught us how to be grounded, fully present, and calm during a crisis.

The immensely loving presence of mountain lion Windwalker brought tears to my eyes. In his interactions with wildlife expert Jean Simpson, the love they have for each other is very clear, even if you cannot hear the rumbling purr. I was fortunate to be close enough to feel the vibration of his purr in the air and my heart.

Pimpernel the coyote was a whirlwind of energy as she showed our group that every moment is an opportunity to be seized, shaken, and enjoyed to the last crumb.

Major Bear and Humble Bumble Bear demonstrated that great power and immense strength can also be paired with gentle spirits.

Time and time again, each individual we met taught us something about their species, something unique about themselves, and in our responses and interactions, we learned a lot about ourselves.

Could we place our trust entirely in our senses and in others as Mr. Pinkerton and Cucumber did? Were we as confident in our ability to tap into our inner strength at any time? Did we understand that knowing when to be gentle is a sign of confidence and strength, not weakness, as Major Bear showed us? Did we approach each moment of our lives with zest and desire to squeeze the last drop of enjoyment out of it like Pimpernel? And did we understand that if that opportunity did not work out, it was not failure—there were many more out there to be explored?

So, this year, I return to Earthfire again, not to look at animals but to reconnect with them and learn more from them. I know that when I arrive, I will be welcomed warmly by my extended animal family, and my heart leaps with joy, knowing that we shall unite in ceremony and brotherhood once again.

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This article is dedicated to the memory of Major Bear (named for the constellation Ursa Major), now in Spirit. Your wisdom and strength remain a powerful legacy, and I shall never forget your beauty and grace when I look up at the night sky.

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This article is dedicated to the memory of Major Bear (named for the constellation Ursa Major), now in Spirit. Your wisdom and strength remains a powerful legacy, and I shall always remember your beauty and grace when I look up at the night sky.

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Learn how to connect more deeply with animals, restore balance to your life, increase intuitive skills, and help heal the Earth with live Reiki and shamanic teleclasses, available worldwide.

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A WILD WAY TO HEAL
Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is an animal communicator, Reiki Master Teacher, shamanic energy healer, and author. Her classes, sessions and ceremonial work are inspired by wild and domestic animals who have issued a call to action for personal and global healing.