Oct. 2025 Musing on Name-calling…
October Musing…Name Games
Have you ever met someone who doesn’t seem to align with their name or only responds to a nickname? Does a name influence the way someone interacts with you? It certainly affects my awareness. This is especially true when someone has left an ugly mark in my awareness. I have to be careful not to project those ugly feelings out to the next person or animal that I meet who simply shares the same name. I have to be extra alert to staying present and engaging with the individual across from me, and not the name they are called.
This can happen with animal friends, the same as people. We have ideas, visuals, and energies that we attach to names for the sake of recall, association, or some distinct characteristic the individual holds.
Our animal friends are especially subject to name games. They can be fun, like a tiny dog named Sprite, the giant dog named Moose, or punny names like Mary Puppins. They can be ironic, like Potato for a high-energy herding dog or Ninja for an animal friend who generally lacks stealth. All these names prompt humans to bring up some visual, social, or energetic awareness that feels familiar. Yes, I believe a name can influence the way you interact with an individual.
The name-game was especially true for one of our favorite cats. She was super sassy and is legendary among friends and family. During one of our routine vet visits early in her life, an assistant asked why we didn’t have a name for her. So, I asked to see the record and saw it was written as White Cat. I politely informed the assistant that they had failed to record it properly. Her name was WHITECAT-all-capital-letters-no-spaces-jazz-hands, and preferably in italics!
Are names actually important to animals? Every animal I have shared space with has recognized and responded to their name. Some of them have even shared a name they would prefer. For the first time, I have an animal partner who really isn’t attached to what I call him. He responds to the energy that I share when we are interacting. So, I’ve settled on calling him “Pony” because it is a place holder (for me) and doesn’t have any excess, name-game, mojo that goes with it.
The bottom line here is that there really are a lot of name games. In the case of WHITECAT, her name gave distinct clarity about her energy and it did affect the way people interacted with her. I’m extra clear that Pony cares deeply about the energy that flows with every single interaction we share. Maybe a name can create space in my mind for a particular type of energy to flow more freely.
Honestly, the name doesn’t matter at all. What matters is staying fully present in the flow of energy exchange between me and Pony. It is as simple as that.
Hit reply and let me know about your name game stories. What are your animal friends teaching you about? I read and respond to every note.
Have a safe and happy October!!
Spirit animal: Chameleon
Chameleons are symbolic for expert awareness and connection to the environment. They demonstrate this by changing color in harmony with changes in temperature and humidity. They also change color as an expression of high emotion like frustration or contentment.
Chameleons have an actual third eye located on the back of the head, in addition to traditional eyes that are able to work independently and give expert visual surveillance of their environment. The third eye does not see images but does process light and dark, which is important for circadian rhythms and providing awareness of potential overhead predators.
Work with Chameleon when you want to explore adaptability and change, find balance, or develop your intuition.
Behind the scenes…
Systems matter. As a solopreneur, I’m learning how important systems are and how things can go sideways or get lost and overlooked when I’m out of system. I’m working hard to deliver a high quality and consistent service that is a good value. Thank you all for being a part of the process.
Other Business…
1. The October Coupon code is still valid for $5 off readings scheduled online at www.ManeRisePets.com through the end of the month. Use the code 5offCOMM for animal communication and 5offCOACH for an oracle card or animal wisdom session. Coupon codes are case sensitive. There is a line for discount codes at checkout.
Personal note…
I’m always interested in what you are thinking. Hit reply and let me know how the animals in your life are inspiring you or what you are musing about!
In Joy,