Linda Johns is the owner of Journey to Healing in northwest Tucson. She has more than 20 years experience in the field of nutrition and alternative healing. As a certified animal communicator, she offers consultations and classes on communicating with animals.
How did you start communicating with animals?
It started when I took a class. A communicator from New Hampshire was here in town, and I took her class. Judy and I hit it off and we became friends. I started hosting classes for her once or twice a year. Being present and participating in the classes deepened my skills and ability. Three years ago, I started teaching the basic animal communication class. Now, I host her certification class once a year and I teach the basic animal communication class through Pima Community College each semester, along with a private class each month.
What is a basic exercise someone can do to start communicating with an animal?
One of the exercises that is necessary is focus, being able to quiet your mind and being able to detach from the "to do" lists we have. Being able to actively listen to the animals, we have to quiet own mind chatter. The first step is being still enough to receive. And then focus is necessary to develop as well, because it¹s the focus that keeps you in the conversation.
How do animals communicate with us?
Animals communicate with us in many forms. Besides the basic body language, gestures and barking, there¹s also taking it into a deeper place, which is the telepathic exchange‹an exchange of information from one mind to the other. I personally receive my information mostly in words and in pictures and then a lot of times body senses, especially if I am sensing medical conditions.
Can everyone communicate with animals?
I believe we can all communicate to some degree. I think it was more of our birthright to be connected and be one with everything that is around us‹meaning the animals, plants and environment‹so that communication and understanding flows back and forth. Sometimes, it is the ego of the person that creates the separation out of superiority. That separation stops the communication. It doesn¹t mean the communication isn¹t taking place. It just means from that superior place, the human mind cannot hear because (the human is) not working as an equal.
What is the biggest obstacle to communication?
Self-doubt is the biggest obstacle. The attitude toward animals is one of the factors you have to look at also. You have to see yourself as equal or see yourself on the same playing field. If you are coming from a superior place, the animal is not going to be willing to share with you. Sometimes, it¹s just about being humble and receptive and letting the animal teach you, rather than having the human mind have all the answers.
What kind of animals do you work with?
All types. Dogs, cats and horses are the most prominent as far as the domestic animals. Iguanas are in there as well. I have worked with wildlife rehabilitation, so communicating with the wildlife is just as effective as communicating with domestic animals. Sometimes the wildlife‹if they don¹t feel that the humans have their best interest at heart‹are not willing to share. There are some that come with a teaching persona, elevating the human consciousness that we¹re all in this together. They will actually be very supportive, helping to educate.
How many animals do you have?
At this moment, I have the Noah¹s Ark concept. I have two horses, two dogs, two cats, two iguanas, chickens and fish.
Is there a common message animals want to tell us?
Each individual situation is totally unique and different with each animal. In general though, they are thankful for their care and relationship. A lot of times, what comes up is the animal¹s perception of an issue, a concern for the person, or they share their perception of a change in environment. Each message for each animal and situation is totally unique.
What are the benefits of communicating with animals?
There are many. A lot of times people call in a communicator for information gathering. A lot of people just want to check in to see if their animal is OK and happy. We also look a lot at behavior modification. Also, healing and death and dying issues are addressed a lot in communication.
What is the biggest reward you get out of this work?
Helping create balance and healing one person, one thought and one animal at a time.
