Today’s share is one that is very dear to both Astrid and I, as it speaks to the relationship we have and how meaningful the rabbit-human bonding is, in our opinion. The theme of her message came through last weekend for this and has been building over the course of the week. But in essence, speaks to the special connection that is made when you invest your heart and soul into being a guardian and best friend to a rabbit.

Astrid feels this is also an important message at this time because it is nearing Easter and we both know how many people will go out and purchase rabbits, especially baby rabbits, on a whim thinking they would be cute gifts for their children.

Helping people to understand rabbits more and what is truly involved within that sacred bond you embark upon cultivating, is one of our hopes to help impart.

We’ll be speaking together through what I share and then maybe Astrid will have a specific message she will want me to separate out for her.

Rabbits are very social animals, but they are nothing like dogs and cats. I know many people see them as cute and cuddly little ones, but most rabbits aren’t particularly interested in being held and snuggled the same way you might a dog or cat. That’s not to say that all rabbits are this way, as they each have their own personalities and some, like my sweet Cosmo, truly love being held close.

But this is usually the exception, rather than the rule because rabbits are ground-dwelling and feel safest when all four feet are connected to their Earth Mother.

That’s also not to say every dog or cat easily cuddles up either, as there are exceptions like with animals who have been through quite a challenging past or some kind of abuse and neglect.

I know that many people are looking for an animal they can hold or show constant affection to, feeling a need to have their furry companion available for a certain kind of closeness. Dogs and cats usually come first to mind for people thinking about getting an animal companion because of this.

That’s not to say, for instance, that all cats like to be snuggled and close, as they also have ideas that are independent to yours and may or may not desire the same when you want it.

Dogs may be more inclined to do so.

Not most rabbits.

That might be a turn-off for people desiring more from their animal companions.

For me, it is exactly what I love most about rabbits.

You see, rabbits are prey animals, unlike cats and dogs who are predators. It takes a deliberate investment of time, nurturing, patience, and ultra presence to gain the trust of your rabbit because they naturally have different instincts – which is, everything is a potential threat.

Like horses, rabbits are magnificent clear mirrors and can be amazing therapy animals to help reflect and teach you the deepest core parts of yourself.

Again, I’m not saying that dogs or cats don’t do this, as they do and many of them are therapy animals as well, but things will be much more subtle and take more patience, presence, and willingness to go a bit deeper when it comes to a prey animal.

Their instincts and senses are ultra-aware. They feel every little nuance at an all-time high and therefore they immediately know what is below the surface and at your core far before you will. They pick up the finest frequencies of vibrational misalignment and disharmony.

They have to, after all, because their survival depends on it.

And in doing so, they truly help reflect some hard things to see about ourselves and help us to understand where we are being inconsistent with what we are saying and doing, and what we are feeling.

So, when a rabbit decides to welcome you, give a little more each day to you, shows affection, lets you approach them and stroke or kiss them, snuggle them on the ground, grind their teeth in delight, lick you, play with you, flop themselves on their sides vulnerably into dreamland, come search you out, chins, nuzzles, nibbles at you, follows you or jumps up on the bed or couch with you, rests next to you, and maybe even lets you pick them up without a struggle – these are invaluable.

To me, to earn that kind of trust and love from a prey animal is ultra special and meaningful.

To know that Astrid, or any of my bunny loves, have felt safe and seen with me means everything to me.

It’s simply something deeper I can’t put into words, but chokes me up to create that kind of bond and relating that is operating on a super high level of sensitivity.

Plus, it constantly keeps me very present and aware moment-to-moment about how I’m acting, feeling, and noticing everything about my rabbit and what is normal or changing with their behavior.

This also, by the way, helps you to stay on top of their health, as they will hide things more than other animals and to be on your toes with what’s going on with them every moment can save their lives AND enrich both of yours.

Rabbits ask us to meet them at their level – literally – so going on the ground with them will help with the bonding.

They also ask us to meet them equally in energy – bringing our full selves to the table in pure honesty and integrity of heart. In this way they will respond just as clearly with acknowledgment and meeting you in much the same way.

Rabbits are very social animals and the relationship with you will be of utmost importance, alongside any other bonded rabbit they have as a partner. Connection is what will help your rabbit thrive and whether that means they have another or other rabbit friends, other furry animal companions, or bond with you, it is much needed to have that closeness.

Most rabbits do enjoy some level of affection, which can shift over time the more you invest in your relationship with them. It can be very pleasing to them to be snuggled or nuzzled on the ground, massaged, spoken to softly, caressed, or simply sitting or laying next to you.

They also love to play and thrive on fun – another way to bond with them.

I feel most of the time that my rabbit loves, including Astrid, think of me as another rabbit. That’s because I have learned to be more like them and interact with them, as they would with another rabbit and I always listen to their cues, knowing when they’ve had enough, if they want more, and what they like or don’t like.

Rabbits teach you to relax and slow down, get in touch with yourself, truly listen within, and live life with more gentleness.

They have all kinds of personalities, just like us, and aren’t there to please you the way you want or think you need, although once they welcome you as part of their “warren” you will be part of the family and appreciated and loved uniquely.

Over time, they can come to provide huge amounts of affection in the sweetest of ways and you learn that intimacy starts within the heart and can be extremely gratifying in more ways than you imagined because you have created a sacred bond.

“The sacred bond invites you to a secret dance that lies beyond the horizon of existence alone. It takes you into the alchemy of the heart that never ceases to be and always remembers its wholeness,” says Astrid.