Celebrating the illogical, inexplicable devotion between humans and animals as a profound teaching about love that transcends reason and utility.
Why do we love our animals? The answer resists logic. A dog might eat your shoes and we forgive it. A cat might scratch us and we still reach to pet it. A bird sings whether we listen or not. Hodja's stories frequently present love and care as acts that defy rational economics—giving away what's valuable, serving the undeserving, committing to the apparently pointless. Companion animals teach us the most unreasonable form of love: affection that requires nothing in return except continued presence. This concept invites examination of how our animal companions free us from the transactional logic that often poisons human relationships. With a pet, we practice unconditional regard—we don't negotiate whether they deserve our care based on their behavior, accomplishments, or reciprocation. Yet somehow, this unreasonable investment creates mutual joy. Hodja's playful wisdom recognizes love's essential irrationality; his stories celebrate this. The examined joyful life with companion animals becomes a school for a different way of relating—one where care is offered freely, forgiveness is automatic, and presence is the only currency that matters. Through this 'unreasonable' devotion, we discover what it means to be fully human.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.