Given everyone's unique perspective, background, and experiences, we all act in ways that are appropriate for us at all times. Arguing with that is a sure-fire recipe for conflict rather than connection, and completely disregards the valid reasons behind someone else's behaviour.
The Wisdom of Wildness : Healing the Trauma of Domestication – Ren Hurst.
This is based on the ninth principle in Ren Hurst's book - Everyone is always right - and pulls together a lot of the previous principles. To acknowledge that everyone is always right one has to be able to be responsible for our own boundaries, expect nothing, and honor every No.
For me there is a deeper step we can consider which comes down to the way we perceive right and wrong in any being. To believe someone is wrong is judgement. To perceive someone is right though, is also judgement.
This goes for animals in our lives too.
How can a horse be wrong if it is exhibiting a behaviour that helps it cope with the expectations you are putting on it, the needs you are asking it to help you meet, or your desire to turn its No to a Yes?
How can a dog be wrong if it is exhibiting a behaviour you taught it (consciously or sub-consciously), such as getting excited about going for a walk?
So lets stop judging things as right and wrong, and start being more discerning and ask why? Consciously say to ourselves:
"If this behaviour is right for this animal why is it a problem for me?"
"If this behaviour is right for the way this animal is feeling right now, what can I change in myself to change the way he/she feels, and bring peace to the situation?"
Always accept exactly what is in front of you, and from that place of acceptance discern what You are going to do next (not what you want the animal to do next).
All of us, humans and animals alike, are all just trying to get by with the knowledge we have at the time, doing what we think we must in order to survive. Consider this next time you are confronted with a behaviour that oversteps your boundaries or contradicts your values. If it is another person, you can walk away, knowing that there is no need to judge them, just acknowledge your own boundaries. If it is the animal in your care, the animal that can't walk away, take a step back and ask one question "How can I help?"
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