Maybe you noticed.
It has been a little quiet here.
In my last newsletter at the beginning of January, I wrote about focus.
About not pouring even more into our already overloaded nervous systems.
About guiding our attention more consciously.
And while writing that, I realized:
I want to truly live this myself.
Not sending another email just for the sake of sending something.
Not showing up in your inbox when I don’t genuinely have something to share.
So it became quiet here.
A few weeks of retreat. Sorting. Less input. More being with myself.
And from that space, this Valentine’s reflection emerged.
Valentine’s Day.
A day when hearts appear everywhere.
Flowers. Small tokens. Little gestures.
And I found myself wondering:
What does love actually mean in everyday life?
Not the big gesture.
But the quiet, daily form.
The love that exists when no one is watching.
The love between you and your animal is exactly that.
It doesn’t need a special day.
And maybe that is precisely why it is so powerful.
Some time ago, I came across the five love languages by Gary Chapman. In his book “How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate”, he describes five ways we express and receive love:
Words of affirmation
Quality time
Gifts
Acts of service
Physical touch
We are all capable of speaking each of these languages.
And yet, there is usually one that feels more natural to us than the others.
Maybe today you would like to ask yourself:
How do I show love?
Through words?
Through time?
Through care?
And then I invite you to consciously apply these five languages to your animal.
In my conversations, animals often tell me how deeply they feel seen when we truly praise them.
Not a quick “good job,” but genuine recognition. Pride. Joy. Appreciation.
They sense very clearly whether we are truly touched by their courage, their progress, their patience.
Many animals long for one thing above all: conscious time.
Time when our attention is fully with them. No phone. No mental to-do lists. No rushing.
A walk where you are really present. A game where you truly laugh.
For them, this is often the greatest declaration of love.
And yes, gifts also carry energy.
A new toy. A special treat. A harness that fits better.
When you silently explain to your animal why you chose it, they feel your care. Your thoughts. Your intention.
Acts of service show up in everyday life.
When you support your animal because they feel insecure.
When you organize a vet appointment.
When you educate yourself to understand them better.
Animals feel this deep sense of being cared for.
Especially animals from rescue backgrounds or those at the end of their lives often speak about this feeling of safety. Of having been held. Supported.
And finally, touch.
Not every animal enjoys long cuddles.
But mindful, respectful touch – combined with a loving feeling in your heart – is almost always understood. Love is tangible.
Maybe over the next few days, you would like to consciously try out these different “languages.”
And perhaps you might also observe:
How does your animal show love to you?
Through their gaze?
Their closeness?
Their patience?
Their willingness to walk beside you through all your processes?
Love flows between you.
Quiet. Steady. Real.
And sometimes it only takes a moment of awareness to realize how deeply blessed you already are.
Maybe that is the most beautiful thought this Valentine’s Day.
With love,
Tanja