Resistance As A Form Of True Kinship

Do you ever struggle being in true kinship with animals? Maybe you see true kinship as a heightened way to be with animals and you’re afraid you don’t have what it takes to “attain” it.

If you live in a colonized society like the United States, you are systemically taught that humans have dominion over animals. Colonized cultural, religious and societal expectations are that humans will abide by those principles and all that is involved.The result denies and deprives animals of their agency, leaving no room for true kinship.

However, even in colonized societies there are pockets of folx who resist those standardized rules. These folx love, honor and respect animals, recognizing that animals have their own experiences and lives to live. To these folx animals are kin and they are willing to ignore the colonized demand for dominion over them. These folx are willing to do what is needed to be in relationship with instead of power over the animals.

Because you’re listening to this podcast, I know you are in one of those pockets that whether consciously are unconsciously, resists the belief that humans have dominion over animals.

Kudos to you!

You may not see yourself as a rule breaker or maverick, as a matter of fact you may actively believe you’re an easy going soul who goes with the flow. Yet here are some common ways of resistance:

• adapting a holistic approach to your animal pal’s care
• recognizing the shared reality we have with animals
• acknowledging animals have their own agency and we aren’t entitled to be in relationship with them simply because we want to be

Resistance to the commonly accepted ways of interacting with animals is a form of relationship, and that, my friends, is definitely a step towards true kinship!

Here’s an invitation for you to join me on this path of true kinship with animals. My work is devoted to helping you show up in the world for animals from the fullness of your authentic self. I hope this encourages you to look at your relationship with animals differently so that a new place of understanding begins to open for you.

Just for today remember: We all do better when all creatures do better. Until next time, take good care!

Janet Roper is an animist, podcaster, intuitive practitioner, non-traditional animal communicator, mentor and educator and for 20+ years has helped people restructure their relationship with animals. Two of her most popular resources are her monthly newsletter and her 5 email introductory series to her signature program Deepen. Visit her website and give her podcast True Kinship With Animals a listen.