The Squirrel Who Was Listening

I was sitting out near some trees, deep in anxious thought about some upsetting stuff I've got going on lately, and noticed this squirrel up in one tree, just going NUTS - darting branch to branch, and making those squirrel noises, just like, agitated and UPSET and chattering non stop.

I sat and watched him, wondering what he was so stressed about, and starting to realize as time went by of how 100% accurately this squirrel was 'mirroring' my own thoughts and emotions, and RIGHT as I'm noticing this, guess who calmed down.

Like night and day. From agitated and yelling to totally quiet, this squirrel sat down and just stared at me. For a really, really long time.

As I found myself telling him all that I was feeling and going through at the moment, he just stayed so still... and NEVER broke eye contact.
This squirrel ...was LISTENING.

Sometimes when I've tried to connect with squirrels, all I get is, "busy!" as they run by 🤣
But this guy? He was teaching me something, making me pay attention to what was going on with me, mirroring my emotions, and the feeling of connection we had gave me chills!

I feel so grateful to that little squirrel for taking the time to remind me of the love, connection and support that animals truly have for us... for making me stop and pay attention... and for listening. ❤️