Exploring the Deep Consciousness We Share with Animals

Sabina
Sep 6
2 min read

If we listen to the rain, the gaze of a dog, the stillness of a stone—we begin to sense another truth: consciousness is not limited to us humans. It flows through everything.

Animals, plants, rivers, mountains—I have never felt them as anything other than alive, present in awareness.

And yet, for much of my life, when someone asked me about consciousness, I found myself speaking only of the human mind. I was wordless when it came to the consciousness that breathes in nature, that stirs in every plant, that shines through every animal, that beats in every wing across the sky.

Animals are aware of the world around them

The dog at your side senses the shift of the wind, the unease of the neighbor’s cat, the heaviness in your heart. He knows you are about to leave, even before you have bought your plane ticket. Consciousness flows at the very heart of every animal’s being.

Animals are aware of one another

In a household with many animals, as in the forest, there is no confusion. Each one knows who leads, who is content, who is grieving, who is unwell. Emotions and perceptions ripple through the animals like wind through grass, and they respond without hesitation.

Animals are aware of us

The day a stray cat can no longer ensure the survival of one of her many kittens, she knows it. She carries it to a nearby parking lot, places it gently, then hides and waits —

trusting that a human will soon notice and care for it. The consciousness of animals shines through gestures like this, when their lives touch our own.

Animals are aware of themselves - of course!

They know when their body is strong—and they revel in it. They know when it is weary, when it longs for rest. They know joy in the marrow of their bones, grief in the silence of their eyes. At this point, their consciousness transcends the boundaries of logic. It melts into love.

Animals are aware of their mission

How often have we whispered to ourselves: If not for this cat, I would not have endured. If not for my dog, I would not have healed. Animals may not put words to it, but they know. They step into our lives as guardians, healers, companions—often before we realize how much we need them.

The moment we recognize that animals carry the same flame of awareness that moves within us, everything shifts. It changes how we care for them. It changes how we listen. It changes how we see ourselves, and how we walk upon the Earth.

After years of listening, I feel called to share this: consciousness is far from limited to us humans. It is the invisible current that connects us to animals, to forests, to oceans, to the sky. To listen to the voice of animals, to see through their eyes, is to rise toward love. Honoring animals is receiving a gift — not only for ourselves, but for all living beings.