Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions: Connecting with the Spiritual Awareness of All Life [Paperback]

Dawn Baumann Brunke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2008

Journeys with animals for personal transformation and enlightenment

• Reveals how shapeshifting with the animal kingdom allows us to experience different forms of consciousness and expand our perception of the world

• Examines the three phases of transforming consciousness: letting go, opening to experience, and integrating awareness

• Explores how shapeshifting provides an understanding of death as a transformation rather than an ending

In Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions, Dawn Baumann Brunke moves beyond the “how” and “why” of animal communication presented in her earlier books to a profound journey of shared spiritual awareness. Through conversations, dreams, and merged consciousness with a variety of animals and spirit beings, she reveals the vast treasure of wisdom and experiences offered to us as we open ourselves to the consciousness of others, confront and release our fears of death, and expand our sensory perception to include other modes of existence.

Brunke reveals how by shapeshifting--moving in and out of shared awareness with others and particularly animals--we may better understand and embrace the diversity of consciousness in our world as we learn to awaken our true selves. Through encounters with shapeshifting animal teachers, she explores the three stages of transforming consciousness: letting go of old ideas and habitual modes of perception, experiencing different forms of consciousness through the eyes of others, and integrating these experiences into a greater awareness of our own being--thus discovering the deeper nature of who we all really are.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Communicating with animal companions and accepting them as guides along the shapeshifting trail is an honored tradition among indigenous people around the world. Dawn Brunke brings this powerful transformational process into our culture and then takes it to new levels. An uplifting, powerful, inspirational book!”
(John Perkins, New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, Shapeshifting, The World Is As You Dream It, and Psychonavigation )

“A cutting-edge guide to a more profound way of being. Dawn Baumann Brunke offers us an essential volume of insights so perfectly presented I could not put it down or read fast enough.”
(Rita M. Reynolds, author of Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond )

“Dawn Brunke takes us on a magical mystery tour of the infinite shapes of consciousness. Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions gives fascinating, fresh outlooks exploring the vastness of life and death through the viewpoints of many animals and the author’s refined spirituality and clear expression. Prepare to swim in an ocean of multidimensional possibilities.”
(Penelope Smith, author of Animal Talk, When Animals Speak, and Animals in Spirit
)

“This insightful, wise, and visionary book contains a rich tapestry of practical advice for those of us who yearn to deepen our knowing that the animal kingdom is a place of ardent tutors and mentors who can offer us keys to the greater human journeys. A compelling, world-class treasure.”
(Simon Buxton, author of The Shamanic Way of the Bee )

“From the first pages of this book the author takes us into that place in human consciousness where we share a language with all beings, offering a renewal of inter-species wisdom that indigenous peoples have known for tens of thousands of years. This is essential reading for anyone who recognizes the common spiritual bond of all beings on our planet.”
(Hal Zina Bennett, author of Spirit Animals and the Wheel of Life: Earth-Centered Practices for Daily Living )

“This book will stretch your vision of what is possible and who you are. The animals reach through the pages to teach us all, offering wisdom and guidance as they gently lead us through our fears and into a heightened awareness of who we really are and how we are all connected at the core of our beings.”
(Tera Thomas, author of Opening My Wings to Fly: What Animals Have Taught Me )

"This is not only a beautiful nature narrative (much of the book takes place in Alaska), but will shift the way you relate to all non-human life forms. The lessons in this book will help readers to connect with animals, and all life forms, on a deeper and more profound level." (
Jessica Teel, reviewer, Aug 2008 )

"Shapeshifting becomes a means of experiencing life beyond illusions and projections of reality, so that she and her teachers become true companions sharing one great reality. . . . shapeshifting is about opening to the oneness of all existence." (
Richard D. Wright, New Age Retailer, March 2009
)

". . . beautifully written book. . .
(Currents of Change, Rising Moon Healing Center, Feb 2010 )

"Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions is a complex and finely written, meaty Buddhist koan--a statement or question with paradoxes and no obvious answer. Like all good koans, this one requires a high dive. Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions, Dawn Baumann Brunke has created a high board for a dive into a bottomless pool of understanding."
(Betsy Robinson, Spirituality Book Club, Feb 2010 )

"Brunke is known and respected in her field and her book takes readers beyond the basics of animal communication and into spiritiual awareness through a merging of consciousness with other life forms. The idea is that humans can expand their perceptions and release their fear of death by experiencing the world as other species see it. . . . If you enjoy broadening your thinking, love animals, and reach eagerly into new realms, this is the book for you."

(Penny Leisch, Story Circle Book Reviews, June 2010 )

From the Back Cover

NEW AGE / NATURE

“A cutting-edge guide to a more profound way of being. Dawn Baumann Brunke offers us an essential volume of insights so perfectly presented I could not put it down or read fast enough.”
--Rita M. Reynolds, author of Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond

“Communicating with animal companions and accepting them as guides along the shapeshifting trail is an honored tradition among indigenous people around the world. Dawn Brunke brings this powerful transformational process into our culture and then takes it to new levels. An uplifting, powerful, inspirational book!”
--John Perkins, New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, Shapeshifting, The World Is As You Dream It, and Psychonavigation

In Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions, Dawn Baumann Brunke moves beyond the “how” and “why” of animal communication presented in her earlier books to a profound journey of shared spiritual awareness. Through conversations, dreams, and merged consciousness with a variety of animals and spirit beings, she reveals the vast treasure of wisdom and experiences offered to us as we open ourselves to the consciousness of others, confront and release our fears of death, and expand our sensory perception to include other modes of existence.

Brunke reveals how by shapeshifting--moving in and out of shared awareness with others and particularly animals--we may better understand and embrace the diversity of consciousness in our world as we learn to awaken our true selves. Through encounters with shapeshifting animal teachers, she explores the three stages of transforming consciousness: letting go of old ideas and habitual modes of perception, experiencing different forms of consciousness through the eyes of others, and integrating these experiences into a greater awareness of our own being--thus discovering the deeper nature of who we all really are.

DAWN BAUMANN BRUNKE is a magazine editor and writer who specializes in the areas of healing, metaphysics, animal communication, and spirituality. The author of Animal Voices and Awakening to Animal Voices, she lives with her husband, daughter, three dogs, and other animals in Wasilla, Alaska.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bear & Company; 1st Printing edition (July 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591430836
• ISBN-13: 978-1591430834
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read!, August 28, 2008

By 

Jessica Teel (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions: Connecting with the Spiritual Awareness of All Life (Paperback)

Brunke details with tender honesty her journey to more deeply understand, and interconnect, with animals. She begins by narrating her special relationship with her pet dog, and how he guides her to experience a different realm where she can tap into not only the thoughts of animals, but her own past lives. With dogs Barney and Zac as her guides, Brunke learns the fine art of shapeshifting which enables her to communicate not only with dogs, but wildlife and even plant forms. Some readers may be skeptical of Brunke's experiences, but her writing is so honest, straight forward and raw that it is easy to understand and believe in the experiences that she describes. Her story is not only original, interesting, and compelling but dives into spiritual issues that lie at the core of our lives. Readers who are fans of Conversations with God will definitely enjoy Brunke's spiritual conversations with animals. This is not only a beautiful nature narrative (much of the book takes place in Alaska), but will shift the way you relate to all non human life forms. The lessons in this book will help readers to connect with animals, and all life forms, on a deeper and more profound level.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gaining Spiritual Benefits of Shared Animal Consciousness, October 9, 2008

By 

Cynthia Sue Larson "www.realityshifters.com" (San Francisco bay area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions: Connecting with the Spiritual Awareness of All Life (Paperback)

SHAPESHIFTING WITH OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS takes readers deeper into Dawn Baumann Brunkes world of animal communications to the realm of conversations and merged consciousness with other living beings. The shapeshifting Brunke describes in this book is that of sharing consciousness with others, and thereby gaining newfound appreciation for other lifeforms as we let go of our old ideas and habitual patterns, experience life the way other animals live it, and gain a tremendously expanded knowledge and understanding of the significance and spirit of all that is.

The idea that our animal companions in everyday life can also be spirit guides is at the heart and soul of this book, as Brunke shares insights she has obtained from her pet dog Barney that assist her in learning to blend consciousness with others. Brunke's journaling of a variety of plant and animal communications that ensue bring us along on her journey, which ends up illustrating how we are all interconnected -- how we are all One.

The plants and animals who communicate with Brunke share wise messages which sound much like the perennial teachings from long-established spiritual faiths and traditions, which is what gives this Brunke's third book on animal communication a much more spiritual tone than its predecessors. As Brunke's dog, Barney, transitions from life to death, a deep sense of eternal connectedness comes through the messages that Brunke continues to receive from Barney, even after his passing. Many of Barney's messages to Brunke remind us of simple truths which we so often tend to forget, and can greatly benefit from taking time to remember... such as everything you need is right here, right now.

I highly recommend SHAPESHIFTING as a book that can help you transcend boundaries between yourself and others... even those who cannot speak, and those who have passed on. This is one of those rare books that leaves readers feeling a "reader's high" long after the last pages are read and the book is placed back on the shelf, as it continues to work its special magic in our hearts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary Book, October 7, 2008

By 

Rita M. Reynolds "author of Blessing The Brid... (Batesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions: Connecting with the Spiritual Awareness of All Life (Paperback)

How very pleased I am to be reviewing Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions, by extraordinary author and intuitive mystic, Dawn Baumann Brunke. This is her third book exploring the deep, spiritual nature of animals. Previously, Animal Voices and Awakening to Animal Voices demonstrated the power and wisdom gained through animal communication, an ability Dawn possesses to the highest degree, using that ability to interact with animals in the most honorable and insightful way. Her newest offering excels in the field of metaphysics, an essential manual for discovering who we truly are in our expanded selves, as we allow the supposed borders between ourselves and others to dissolve through the process of shapeshifting.
I would easily categorize this volume as a textbook, one that should be carefully studied and kept close for personal reference, so rich is the material presented by the author. And in this age of rapidly shifting and expanding awareness regarding all forms of life, we need all the help we can get. But don't be fooled by the term textbook, because once you start reading, you will find it virtually impossible to put it down. Skillfully written, words and sentences, ideas and concepts flow beautifully one to the other.
For much of the book her dog, Barney, is her companion, guide, and teacher, initially while alive in his physical body, but then after his death, in his spirit consciousness. Barney leads Dawn - and us, their readers, into realms that may seem improbable on first glance. Eventually, however, as one reads on, we realize all the possibilities and probabilities Barney and other beings (in a variety of form and consciousness) offer for consideration, and personal practices well worth adopting.
Dawn Baumann Brunke has been well-known and respected in her field of healing, metaphysics and animal communication for many years. Her work with animals and spirituality is a gift to all, and in my opinion, there is no one finer to turn to for the guidance and assistance we all yearn for, consciously or subconsciously, as the world around us and within us changes and evolves. Shapeshifting with Our Animal Companions is a grand book, well-crafted by the publisher, with comfortable print and generous-sized pages. I could not recommend it more highly. Visit her excellent website at www.animalvoices.net. ~