July 2026 Musing on Solitude
July 2026 Musing – Solitude
To be a great partner, I have to be a great individual.
When I approach my animal companions, they are not assessing my worthiness based on academic achievements, certifications or the scope of my social media presence. They notice my body language and the rhythm of my breathing. They notice any tension I’m holding and what kind of energy is flowing through me. They see me just as I am, right now, sharing space together.
If I show up unregulated, my horse will raise his head and prick his ears forward on full alert. He may walk away or maybe he turns his head to give a huge yawn. My cat will sit just out of reach and my dog will share a tentative wiggle to see how I respond or maybe go and chill on the couch.
They are all sharing an honest response to exactly what I’m sharing. When I say unregulated, I mean pushing out some fake energy like smiling when I’m clearly not happy or holding tension in my body and pretending to be calm. Our animal friends don’t know how to respond to the projection or the cover-up that is creating my dysregulation. They are simply aware of the truth in my body, and the energy I am bringing to the space we are sharing, and they respond directly to that.
Some say this is mirroring, but I want to be more specific with that terminology. I take issue with mirroring because it discredits the animal’s ability to assess and respond to what he sees in me. He isn’t a hollow mirror, that is a generic reflection of my approach. He is a sensitive soul who can receive and process energy and reflect back to me with his own intent.
When I feel stressed or dysregulated, I want to work it out with my animal companions. They key to that approach is being honest. I let them know that I’m angry or sad or anxious. This is where solitude becomes critical to connection. I have to name and claim the high energy or emotional flare as my own. I have to spend a few minutes walking it off and finding my breath. I have to make the effort to become present and genuine to exactly what I’m bringing into the space.
From there, I can approach and focus on some type of exchange. I’m not in perfect harmony, but I’m not covering up the way I feel.
I enjoy the paradox of two energies which appear to be opposites but are actually interdependent like connection and solitude. The challenge of holding two opposites until I’m really clear about what matters most to me is one of my favorite exercises.
Being connected in relationships and honoring the need for a balance of both sharing and solitude for rest and recovery, gives me the power to act with confidence from the inside out. When I’m acting from the inside out, I’m an individual who becomes a great partner.
What is your experience with connection and solitude? Hit reply and let me know how the animals in your life are inspiring you or what you are musing about!
Spirit animal: Koala
Koalas are the spirit animal to call on when you need to rest and release. They are often seen hugging a tree, which is a double bonus for nature lovers who find ease with the trees! Koala energy facilitates release and forgiveness. They are also a model if you are trying to be less reactive.
If you are seeking solitude, imagine the calmness of a Koala hugging a tree and allowing all the stress to flow freely down the roots and back to mother earth.