All My Relations: Living with Animals as Teachers and Healers

by Susan Chernak McElroy

Susan Chernak McElroy has long believed that animals offer solace as well as lessons in living to anyone willing to listen. In her bestseller Animals as Teachers and Healers, she told others' stories of the healing power of animals. In this book, she tells her own stories.

Described by the author as a kind of prayer, the ten stories here explore concepts of ownership; naming, and unnaming, things; interpreting signs and language; animals as mirrors of the soul; and honoring one's own stories. Typical is the story about rats that explores what it means to be stigmatized, for both humans and animals. Included are suggestions for practices and meditations that will guide readers into deeper connection with their own stories and their own relationships with those creatures with whom they share their lives.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Spirituality

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2004

About the author

Teacher, master storyteller, and author of the classic New York Times Bestseller, Animals as Teachers and Healers: True Stories and Reflections, Susan Chernak McElroy's writings are published in more than twenty languages worldwide. She is a nationally recognized, passionate, and original voice on the subject of our emotional, biological, and sacred relationships with animals and wild nature.

Susan is a dynamic and gifted presenter, and a powerful catalyst for personal growth and change. A long term-survivor of advanced cancer, she speaks from a rich body of experience, reminding us that our evolutionary journey toward becoming more fully human beings has included thousands of years of intimate connection with animals and the living Earth.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Hermit. Crazy cat lady. Bleeding heart. Tree hugger. These are all labels I’ve carried throughout my life and of which I’ve never been ashamed. My relationship with animals and Nature (second only to love for my family) has been one of the most constant and powerful forces in my life. I find in Nature the most beautiful and inspirational qualities and, much like Susan Chernak McElory, I have learned my most valuable lessons from our four-legged brothers and sisters. These furry, scaled, and feathered creatures truly are the most incredible teachers and healers this world will ever know— if only we choose to honor them.

McElroy speaks eloquently of her own animal guides in several books including the present- All My Relations- which is a quick and captivating read. In her writings, she describes the mystical potency of critter companionship and shares stories of inter-species support, respect, and relationships. The sheer power and personal truth of her experiences creates a certain reverence in her readers. It is a reverence of the human relationship with the natural world; the possibilities for healing and growth, the capacity for love and honor, and the beautiful strength of communion.

[Richard Ohlrogge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All My Relations: Living with Animals as Teachers and Healers" is an expression of a deeply understood of the relationship possible with animals who are not human. It is heartfelt and based on a life of experience with a variety of animals that the general public does not have immediate contact with other than in zoos. We all have experienced a connection to the common animals that come into our lives as pets - dogs, cats, fish, etc. We enjoy their company and are amused by their antics and playfulness but most people don't develop bonds with these animals in such a way that you really develop an understanding of what motivates their behavior. Ms. McElroy relates the numerous deep relationships with animals she experienced in a manner that will move you deeply. THe last chapter describes her relationship with a chimpanzee named Kulu - it brought me to tears!!

[Luminea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a couple of chapters for me to get into this book, but then it grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. I was captivated by Susan's honest reflections on her encounters with animals and the oftentimes painful lessons that she learned from them. She delves into many feelings and issues regarding animals that we'd prefer to not talk about, and does so in a very thought provoking way that still somehow leaves me with a sense of hope. I am grateful for her openness and courage in telling these stories.

[Eden]

I have only just begun reading this book, but already the triangular structure in which she shares her stories of relationships with animals - supported equally on legs of story, reflection and practice - fits perfectly into my growing view of animals (and plants) as guides.

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her writing is amazing!!

[Nattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a series of thoughtful meditation exercises. It was an enjoyable framework for morning nature trail walks.

[Macandamanda Mcgee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved River Elk chapter 7

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.