Presence Activities with Other Animals

“Being” Watching

With other animals it is often out-of-the-box ways of presence. Just choosing to be seated next to where they are, softening your gaze, and giving them/him/her your attention is an act of presence - and most likely something they do not receive regularly. Even starting with five- to ten-minutes…it is similar to people watching at a mall or park. Become aware of whether the individual begins to come out, sit close to where you are at, or is also choosing to be present with you.

And yes, you can practice this with tortoises, aquarium turtles, lizards, fish, and other beings.

Photo Shoot

One of the things I have done is asked if other animals would like to do a “photo shoot.” And most, if not all, have said yes at some point in their own way. Those that can blink at you will, to show an affirmative. If that isn’t an option, if they are in agreement, they will stay close by. Often, they like it as you are offering them focused attention and yes presence!

Like my pictured friend who absolutely LOVED her experience. She promptly stayed as stationary as possible for me to get these photos while I chatted with her excitedly.

Although her companion sibling was not as happy that her turtle sister was getting the attention. I am sure it was a rare situation for both.