Estimated reading time: 7 minutes.
A well-known quote from the Greek philosopher Epicurus of Samos reads:
"Animals and small children are the mirror of nature."
But what does that actually mean? And why are our animals, of all people, so closely connected to us that they can teach us something about our own nature? If we look closely, it is our beloved companions on four paws who, often without words, hold up a clear mirror to us - a mirror of our own nature. Human nature.
Animals as a mirror of our own nature
If we go through life attentively and are in touch with ourselves and our surrounding world, we realise that a mirror is constantly being held up to us - by our environment, our fellow human beings and, most clearly, by our children and our animals. They show us unembellished who we are and what state we are in. They sense what we feel and often react to exactly what is going on inside us long before we are aware of it. Our animals can mirror us in a deeply honest way. They show us our feelings, fears, joys and worries. If your dog is restless or your cat suddenly seeks you out, it may be a sign that something is going on inside you that you may not have realised. It is a kind of non-verbal communication that takes place deep on the energetic level.
The energy we radiate
Animals live in a constant flow with nature and their environment. They are extremely receptive to energies that we humans often ignore or overlook. Every thought, every emotion and every action emits a certain energy. When we are frustrated or stressed, our animals sense this immediately. They pick up on these vibrations and reflect them in their behaviour. This means that an agitated dog or an anxious cat may indicate a similar inner turmoil within yourself.
By becoming aware of this, we can begin to reflect on our own behaviour and emotions. In this way, we can learn to be more mindful and aware of ourselves and our animals. In a way, our animals are a window into our innermost selves.
Animals reflect our emotional world
It is often said that animals are the best emotional barometers. They react sensitively to our mood swings and can show us exactly how we are feeling on the inside. But why is that the case?
Animals do not have complicated thought processes that separate them from their feelings. They live in the moment and are very aware of their environment and people. So if you come home stressed or angry, your pet will notice and may react agitated or distant. Conversely, an animal that seems particularly affectionate or calming may indicate that we need to relax or that we need emotional support. The beauty of this is that animals do not make judgements. They mirror us without judging us and thus offer us a gentle but honest opportunity for self-reflection.
The special relationship between humans and animals
The relationship between humans and animals is unique. It is based on trust, affection and a deep energetic connection. While humans often try to hide or suppress their true feelings, animals have the ability to see exactly what lies beneath the surface. This means that sometimes your animal will reveal things about yourself that you may not want to realise.
For example, if you are stressed or emotionally overwhelmed for a while, your dog may start to become restless or even show similar physical symptoms such as nervousness or insomnia. This is no coincidence. Your pet picks up on your energy and reflects it in its behaviour.
Practical tips: How you can learn through your pet
Observing your animals can help you to deal better with your own emotions. Here are some practical ways you can do this in everyday life:
- Mindful observation: Take time to observe your pet. Pay attention to how it behaves when you are stressed, happy or sad. Are there certain behaviours that occur more frequently in certain situations? Your pet may be showing you how you really feel.
- Reflection: If your pet is acting unusually, ask yourself if there is something in your life that has changed. Are you perhaps stressed from work or emotionally unbalanced? Your pet could help you recognise this.
- Rest and relaxation: If you notice that your pet is restless, try to regain your own inner calm. Sit down, take a deep breath and try to calm your energy. Often your pet will also relax when you find your inner balance.
- Energetic cleaning: Sometimes it helps, create an energetic space in which both you and your pet can relax. Meditation exercises or gentle music can help to harmonise the energy in the room.
Conclusion: Animals as teachers for our own development
Animals are wonderful companions on our journey through life, and they have an incredible ability to mirror us in a subtle but powerful way. They hold a mirror up to us that shows us what our inner world is really like - without judgement, without criticism, just with love and empathy.
By engaging in this mirroring and consciously recognising the messages of our animals, we can not only improve our relationship with them, but also develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. Animals are our constant teachers, guiding us on the path to self-development and emotional maturity.
At the end of the day, this is perhaps exactly what Epicurus meant when he said: "Animals and small children are the mirror of nature." They show us our own nature - human nature - in all its facets.
