The Wisdom of Stillness + A Reflection on Intolerance
I can’t believe we’re already in May! I know I say that every month, but really—May has always been my favorite. As I look out the window, the cherry tree outside is bursting into bloom, and it just fills me with joy. Nature feels so alive right now, which is why this month’s message from the animals is so interesting: Stillness.
Before we dive into May, let’s take a moment to reflect on April’s message, which was Intolerance. For me, that theme showed up in some unexpected—and sometimes frustrating—ways. I had several experiences where I caught myself reacting with anger or impatience, only to realize that those reactions were masking deeper emotions. Anger, for me, is often a doorway to sadness or fear—fear that I’m not doing something well, that I’m not good enough, or that something’s threatening my sense of safety and security.
One vivid example? Walks with my dog, Lukas, in the nature preserve. I have a big pet peeve: people not picking up after their dogs. Besides being inconsiderate, dog waste can be harmful to the ecosystem. I often end up picking up extra waste with the extra bags I carry, and I’ve jokingly started calling myself the “Dog Poop Fairy.” But let me tell you—I don’t always feel so magical doing it.
What really helped me reflect on these moments was Lukas. He would pause near piles as if to point them out—not to do anything with them, but just… notice. He slowed me down and made me ask myself: Why does this make me so mad? The answer was layered: disrespect, feeling like I’m the only one doing my part, and that nagging sense of not being “good enough.” Sometimes, when my energy was calmer, Lukas would patiently wait by my side while I picked up the mess. But on days when my anger flared, he’d tug at the leash and try to pull me away. He was mirroring me, helping me see myself more clearly.
This month, we’re transitioning from intolerance to stillness. And I’ll be honest—stillness is hard. Especially in May, when everything is blooming and buzzing and demanding attention. Stillness feels counterintuitive. But that’s exactly why the animals are calling us to it now.
Stillness isn’t just about sitting still—it’s about integration. It’s the pause that allows the lessons from our experiences to settle into our bones. It’s in that quiet where the magic happens. When I read a passage this month by Thomas Aquinas, something clicked: he talked about the “third relationship” between the artist and the art—the making. Our culture is obsessed with the finished product, but there’s wisdom and beauty in the process. To truly be in the process, we need to slow down.
So how do we practice stillness? Our animals can show us.
Lukas, for example, will lay across the floor in front of me—literally stopping me in my tracks—to remind me to pause. When I’m moving too fast, when I’m filling my days to the brim to avoid feeling hard emotions, he gently insists that I stop. Sometimes we just lay on the floor together, and in that moment of quiet, I can breathe and reflect.
This month, I drew three animal spirit cards: Wolf, Alligator, and Raven.
Wolf, our continuing teacher, reminds us to learn from within.
Alligator represents integration—exactly what stillness helps us do.
Raven brings magic, inviting us to see the extraordinary in the quiet moments.
There’s a mystical rhythm to all of this. Like the moon, which is still and yet so powerful in the night sky, we’re being asked to listen in the quiet. In that stillness, signs and messages can come more clearly—especially from our animal companions.
So I invite you this May: find your stillness, even just for 30 seconds a day. Notice what your animal does when you pause. Do they rest with you? Do they try to move you along? They are your guide. Call on the wisdom of Wolf, the grounding of Alligator, and the magic of Raven as you explore this quiet terrain.
Join me on Zoom on Monday, May 5 at noon to find out how your animal is helping you with Stillness! (see info below in May Events)
May Events
May 3: I’ll be providing mini-readings at the Absolute Light Holistic Fair in Lafayette, Indiana this Saturday, 10am - 6pm EDT. I’ll also be speaking on “Across the Rainbow Bridge, Navigating Pet Loss Grief.”
May 5: Monthly Animals’ Message Meet-Up - NEW FORMAT! This month, I’ll be connecting to some of your animals to hear what they need you to know about Stillness! If you can attend, you may be intuitively chosen to hear directly from your beloved companion (and they can be in-spirit!). This event is for paid subscribers so if you currently have a free subscription, consider upgrading today.
May 18: Grief Ground Gratitude: A Pet Loss Grief Circle. Join me and keri kenney (she/her) for our next Circle open to 8 participants. I connect to everyone’s animal in-spirit and Keri shares messages from pulled cards and providing breath and movement support.
May 20: Book Club for Paid Subscribers at noon eastern. This month, we’re reading “Raising Hare” by Chloe Dalton in our book club. I just started it and I love it! It was a gift from a family member and it couldn’t be a better source of joy right now. Join us!
More in May! Stay tuned for a meditation on Stillness with keri kenney (she/her) as well as more Bach Flower Essences to foster Stillness from Nina Ruberti!
Enjoy your practice of Stillness with your animal this month. Let me know how it unfolds!
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