Thinking Aloud Blog

Animals play such an important part in many of our lives. When they are pets, we mourn them as a family member. They make us smile and laugh, like a baby free of inhibitions. We talk to them, and they listen without judgment like a trusted therapist. With family or friends, we equivocate in unveiling all. With our loving pet, we wail our pain, oblivious to what a parent, or friend, thinks.

An animal can be one’s muse, even a wild animal. To be a muse is to be a source of inspiration or a guiding spirit. One time in my life I had four cats and two dogs! Each one had a distinct character, and each was my muse in different ways, based upon their personalities and my state of mind at the time. Shadow, a grey cat with a partial white face, would sit calmly on my lap, each sensing the other’s breathing, and we’d meditate together. Her energy was calming.

Maya, an independent Husky, was a rascal. Too many times I had to track her down in the woods of Maine, but then we’d rest in an open tree-protected spot, caressed by the gentle winds, listening to the bird songs, connected to the oneness of it all. And my sweet Macy, a medium size poodle with the energy of a lab, who died a year ago, took me for long walks even when I was sluggish or dispirited, rejuvenating both of us by the time we arrived home.

During a meditation, I was surprised to discover a black bear as my muse. I wrote the following short poem, published in my book, Everything Special, Living Joy:

The Bear and I

I am hugged in the arms of a cuddly black bear.
I am safe in my fear.
I am restful in the body of earth.

The bear and I sway calmly,
meditating in our wholeness
before we go our separate ways,
doing our separate life’s chores,
at times forgetting our connection.

Until one day we pass again,
laugh at our seriousness,
remember our swaying.

We cuddle and sway,
smile at who we thought we were,
when all we are
is one.

Do you have an animal muse? Or another type of supportive muse? Please share if you’d like.

2019 © Roberta S. Kuriloff