There’s a language beyond words. It’s a language of the heart that shows us how to live a life of lasting happiness. Animals understand this language. If you have ever owned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they bring. But did you know that dogs in particular can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health? Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their life with an animal, but are unaware of the physical and mental health benefits of animals.

For example:

• Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
• People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations.
• Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
• Caring for a dog can help children grow up more secure and active, and provide valuable companionship for older adults.

That’s not all animals do for us. They help us connect to our gift – the reason we are here on the planet. This is probably the most important lesson animals bring into our lives, because when we become aware of our gift and intentionally offer it to the world, transformation happens.

Many people see life as something that happens to them, not something that they can make happen. If we don’t open our heart and live our purpose, we live a life of fear. We close up and push away possibilities. Long lasting happiness can only happen when we share our gift with the world. The more you give your gift, the more you participate in the world – the more the world will give back to you.

How do you find your gift? Start by paying attention to your thoughts. They carry an energetic vibration, either positive or negative; that helps create the reality that you are experiencing. When you pay attention, you begin to notice that your thoughts bring about certain emotions and feelings in the body. Life will reflect back what you think about.

Next, remember to give back. Everyday ask yourself, what gift am I to give today? If you’re not sure what that gift is, animals can help you discover it. Step away from the noise of the world and spend time with animals. Take a walk in nature, play, or go exploring. Being fully present with animals will take you to a place of calm, where your gift will reveal itself. When you embrace your gift, your world changes.

Living your life is like sailing. You are constantly making adjustments but once you take the wheel and set your course, you can go anywhere. And having animals as your first mate, will not only help heal your heart, it will teach to be the man or woman you’ve always dreamed you could be.

For more information contact: Jamie Lee, Animal Relationship Specialist at www.Animal-Bonds.com