Sept. 2025 Musing on Hot and Cold

Some things are mutually exclusive.  Temperature is a great example.  It cannot be both 20 degrees and 30 degrees at the same time. When something is mutually exclusive, does that also mean that one is right and the other is wrong?  Animals don’t do that.  They are present in their bodies and aware of how they are feeling at any given temperature. When an animal is hot, they slow down, seek shade, drink water, or whatever they can do to decrease the chances of heat stress. When an animal is cold, they seek shelter or take action to warm themselves.

When something is mutually exclusive, it can create an opening for a philosophical debate called a false binary.  That is when you are made to believe that there are only 2 choices. This creates an easy option for humans because we don’t have to consider the other side or anything in between is simply one or the other. The reality is that there is a full spectrum of possibilities or other viable alternatives in a vast gray area.

Consider hot and cold.  There is a lot of space in the middle for some degree of warm (compromise) to be experienced.  If you are an Alaskan Malamute dog, warm might be around 60F. To a Chihuahua dog, that same temperature might feel chilly.

To find a consensus, we have to start by being very specific about the disagreement. In the following example, the disagreement is about what temperature feels warm.

An Alaskan Malamute named Yuki feels warm around 60F.  A Chihuahua named Sparky feels warm around 70F.   These are mutually exclusive temperatures, but not false binaries. Yuki is not inspired to murder Sparky because he feels chilly at 60F. There are other choices.

Next, we can agree that there is something bigger than what temperature feels warm, that is important to both sides. If Yuki feels warm at 60F and Sparky feels warm at 70F, the point is less about the temperature and more about being physically comfortable.

And still, that is not the end of the discussion about what is warm.  Feeling comfortable is only part of the ultimate satisfaction for either side.  What if it is actually about being your best self? Comfort is a space where we can rest and relax. Feeling comfortable creates space where we can think clearly and give our best effort.

The layers of possibility don’t even stop with feeling comfortable; although, most of us feel pretty good about comfort. What if Yuki and Sparky have some options to regulate their own comfort? Yuki can lay in the shade, or drink cool water if she gets too warm. Sparky can snuggle in his blanket or favorite spot in the sun to regulate his own comfort.

But here’s the catch…what if Yuki is tied out in the back yard with no access to shade and an empty water bowl?  What if Sparky doesn’t have a blanket or the shades are closed and the sun can’t offer a warm ray of refuge?  These are conditions that the dogs are dealing with because the person in their life made a decision. At the time, it is likely that human didn’t think about their actions having any relevance to the comfort of the dog.

Yuki’s person put her outside in the cool morning hours with a big bowl of fresh water.  Then, got an emergency call (which nobody can anticipate) and rushed out to respond. By the time she got back home and realized the dog was still outside, Yuki was on the verge of heat stress in the sun with an empty water bowl.

When stress overcomes humans, we can make snap decisions and potentially create dangerous conditions for others without even knowing. We have all heard tragic stories of children who have been forgotten in hot cars.

Sparky’s person was running late that morning, and simply left the soft blanket in the dryer and failed to open the shades. He didn’t think it was a big deal until after work when he got home to find that Sparky had shredded the chair cushion (where the soft blanket would normally be) in order to find a warm, comfortable space to snuggle in for a good sleep.

Neither person in this example had any intention of putting their dog into a stressful situation or in harm’s way. 

The next layer of complexity is feeling comfortable doesn’t even address the true reality of an even bigger picture. This example started with a discussion about what temperature feels warm. What matters to the Malamute and the Chihuahua isn’t only hot or cold, warm or comfortable. What really matters is self-determination and freedom to choose. None of our domestic animal friends are here because their ancestors failed at survival basics.

So, things are often complicated, and usually not as simple as all or nothing. False binaries can be a gross over-simplification, where some situation is presented as if there are only 2 options.  All or nothing scenarios require no investment of understanding or messy work of navigating the middle ground. I hope we can all find our way to navigating some middle ground with curiosity and a genuine attempt to know something about both sides…for comfort, connection, the good of community, and freedom for all.

Spirit animal: ANT

Keeping with the inspiration of community, consider the ant and the power of one tiny individual working in community for outcomes that serve the greater good.  Some ants have the power to lift more than 50x their body weight and work together if they need to do more than that. Ants are specialists. They rely on each other to build bridges and vast architectural colonies. Ants are truly diverse and serve a necessary link for life to thrive on earth. Still, some view the ant as simply a pest to eliminate or problem to address.

Ants contribute to replenishment of the soil by processing things that are dead and damaged. When ants show up in your awareness (or on your path), lean in and think about tiny actions, patience, persistence, and group power. Ants are strategic and methodical.  In Aesop’s fables, ants are symbols of wisdom and humility.

When you are feeling small and overwhelmed, think of ants. Do not underestimate the power of one tiny individual doing one small thing within their community. Each tiny act, in cooperation with other single individuals, can be a big boost for the community and the greater good for all.

Behind the scenes…

One of my core values is simplicity.  I like to start with the basics and stay curious to see how things will unfold and what layers of learning are up for me to know. In the process of sorting and organizing this book, I struggle to stay true to my broad vision while focusing on the small and simple ideas that build a foundation for the bigger philosophy.

So, I’m embracing the spirit of the ants, learning patience and the importance of the little bits that are critical for a solid foundation. I’m being mindful about sharing context so ideas are not perceived as a false binary, which can be energy that unfolds from over-simplification. There are always a full range of options to consider and plenty of lessons to learn.

Business highlights…

1.      I’m choosing to step away from offering equine assisted learning sessions and events.  It has been a pleasure to work alongside the horses in a business capacity since 2013. I’m grateful to all who have shared space with us. Saying no to something always creates space for saying yes to some other thing.   I’m staying curious about what is next.

2.      October 2025 special offer = Take $5 off readings when you schedule a session online.  www.ManeRisePets.com  Coupon codes are case sensitive. Use 5offCOMM when you schedule online for animal communication.  Use coupon code 5offCOACH for animal wisdom sessions and oracle card readings.

3.      Working with power animals. I’m considering a group offering (online format/webinar?) to share ideas about working with a specific power animal.  Let me know what you think about that.

Personal notes…

It is fall…football, pumpkin spice, volleyball, and cooler weather patterns are some of my favorite things about the season. 

I’m relishing my own peace and privacy in the sacred space of home.

September feels like the new year to me. There is some connection with nature’s rhythms when you wind down, let go and look back in the fall.  And I’m always inspired to look forward to the holiday season and winter creative pursuits.

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,

Michelle