Separatedness is an Illusion

It is interesting how a place takes on the energy of all who dwell there.  Take one away and the energy shifts.  Gee Whiz, one of the horses I care for, is at the veterinary hospital for a serious surgery.  The place doesn’t feel right since he’s been gone.  Even the other horses feel his absence. Playful Hot Shot is in an irritable mood, and ornery Eddie is grouchier than normal.  Every time I walk into the barn, I feel Gee’s absence.  The energy is off.  Moments like these remind me that separateness is an illusion.

I remember when Chelsea (my English Shepherd a few years back) died.  She was old and spent most of the time on her bed. Long gone were the days of constant Frisbee throws and lake swimming.  Because she wasn’t a touchy-feely dog, our interaction was limited once her athletic days were over.  So, I was surprised when I felt the emptiness so acutely after her death.  Moments like these remind me that separateness in an illusion.

My sister’s dog, Taene, a beautiful liver colored soulful Dalmation, died several years after Chelsea.  I didn’t see her often but we had a wonderful connection, so it, too, is surprising that I still feel Taene’s absence after all this time.  The energy is forever changed.  Moments like these remind me that separateness in an illusion.

When I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, I remember that I would not be standing here without it.  The sun’s gravity keeps the earth from flying off into space.  It keeps me warm, gives me hefty doses of vitamin D, provides energy, and feeds the food that nourishes me. Moments like these remind me that separateness is an illusion.

When I hear people viciously argue about politics, religion, race, sexuality, or a host of other issues, I want to remind them that separateness is an illusion, and that illusion is appallingly harmful.

Separation is an illusion.

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Tagged as: connection, horses, illusion