Energy: What the Hell is Cesar Millan Talking About Anyways?
I was reading a review of The Dog Whisperer Season 8 Episode ...ahhh, who knows; by a good friend and a fellow dog blogger Eric Goebelbecker. In his post, Eric asks a questions that I believe deserves a closer look.
When Cesar Millan starts to use words like "energy", it does leave you wondering. What the Hell is Cesar Millan Talking About Anyways?
This "energy" business is in great danger of being misinterpreted. It can appear to sound kind of "new age-y woo-woo bullshit that TV and the Internet is full of", to quote Eric.
First, I will provide few substitutions to the word "energy" and then we will list 3 specific examples where "energy" is quite present and felt in a real way and yet quite invisible, intangible and hard to "pin down".
What Cesar calls "energy", others often refer to as physical or emotional disposition, an attitude, posture, the way a person "carries himself", and probably countless other synonyms I cant quite think of right now.
"Energy" I believe, is a good "cover all" word who's only shortcoming is that it leaves something to the interpretation. But then again, all words do, don't they?
3 very real examples of invisible energy we have all felt, experienced and can relate to
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Gravity
Its an energy that exerts constant yet invisible force on all of us at all times. We often forget that its "there" but just because it doesn't demand our attention at all times, it doesn't mean its not there. The "energy" Cesar is talking about is a lot like gravity. Its hard to define (scientist are still grappling with gravity, how it works, etc.) but you can definitely see it if you look for it. -
Babies
Yup...babies.Just like gravity, babies have the invisible power and an uncanny ability to change the "energy" of their environment.Have you ever found yourself waiting your turn at a dentist's office? With tired, adult faces pretending to read Scientific American from 3 years ago? In walks a young mother with 2 kinds; one in a stroller the other hanging onto her skirt.
All of a sudden, the entire office gathers round these kids. The gloomy receptions is now smiling and offering candy to the kids, the granny is taking the pictures of her grandkids and showing them to everybody, the entire mood of the environment has changed. Why? Because kids have the ability to bring a different, better energy into their environment. Its hard to define. Its hard to bottle and sell at Macy's, but its undeniable and its real. -
Dogs
Well...I hope you were able to see this one coming. Like kids, dogs (puppies especially) have the ability to "walk" into a room and change the mood and the energy of the environment in the same way kids do. AND, in the same way, this "energy" is invisible, intangible and hard to "pin down".
I will offer one more, slightly embarrassing example of these strange, invisible forces which act upon us in a very real yet undetectable way
Few years ago I threw out my back. I know, I know...it makes me sound old but if it helps, I did it while sparring (I do mixed martial arts).
I was walking to my car looking like the first guy in the evolutionary chart, when off in the distance I've noticed a pretty girl. All of a sudden, as if the excruciating pain has disappeared, I've straightened-out and started walking upright as if nothing was wrong. Why? Because Froyd was right.
I was trying to give-off the appearance of a suitable mate, I was trying to project a strong energy, I was trying not to scream in agony :-)
The point is that my environment changed and my "energy" changed to suit the environment.
When Cesar speaks of "energy", his intention (I believe) is to get the person into the correct mental and emotional state in order to influence, in a positive way, the common environment. Its hard to define. Its largely invisible, intangible and hard to "pin down", but its quite real and you know it when you see it.Be the first to comment and share.



Comments 16 Comments
I found that here in PA, I just couldn't get that word to stick. Somehow people do feel it's somehow a little too new-agey, or too west coast-ish, I guess. But like you mention Eric, I switched to something more palatable for most folks - I just use "feeling". As in "tell me how you're feeling inside when [this] happens". They usually say "I'm very nervous that my dog is going to bite", etc.
That seems to be easier for most people to digest without me taking the chance that I'll be viewed as a boardwalk fortune teller or something. Once we explain how the human's feelings / mood / energy is directly influencing the dog's behavior - and then we can demonstrate (prove) this, usually just by taking the leash - they seem to get it.
The more I talk to people about dogs & dog training, the more I realize just how important language (and context) really is. Great example above.
Lets not forget that Cesar lives in California...the word energy is a perfect word to describe what he is trying to convey. On the other hand, as Craig pointed out, in PA, he might have to account for woo-woo,new age-y effect of such phrase.
For a second there I thought you were going to bash Cesar Milan which so isnt your style, glad to see you didnt...you actually valideated what he's saying...great job...keep 'em comin
Which is even more fascinating since English is his second language.
He has been instrumental in popularizing certain concepts and you cant fault anyone for having their heart in the right place no matter the fallout (I know some would disagree but I believe intention is the most important factor in any equation).
Sorry...I dont mean to go on and on...thank you for stopping by again and thank you for reading..I really appreciate it.
Does "70's sexism" = "If more women were political leaders the world would be a much more peaceful place..."?
Direct quote from Cesar Millan, one of many (pro-women quotes) that appear in his books & show.
It has to do with Culture Codes but thats something we will have to get into a another time. I smell a new post coming on :-)
Calling a man a "member of the oppressive class" is a perfect example of sexism.
I can certainly decide what sexism is, because as we see it is a two-way street.
Thanks & I wish you all the best-
Craig
Can we allow (and I would like to leave Cesar out of this; this is more of a general question) that sometimes forceful and swift action is required for everybody's good? Example: Baby is about to stick a nail in the electrical socket.
Cesar's methods need to be taken with a grain of salt. Someone like Patricia McConnell doesn't have to obey the same master that Cesar does. (that master is NatGeo of course). And NatGeo has the responsibility to make compelling programing. Cesar is tasked with delivering that. That cant be easy.
Mental disposition and attitude will surely show through body language, possibly through pheromones, all things that dogs can easily discern. Whether it goes further as to aura or such, that's really besides the point I guess.
Attitude and disposition is a real thing and I'm sure all animal pick up on that easily, however it is communicated.
That would also explain why Jasmine didn't get sprayed when she was trying to get a skunk the play with her (TWICE)!
I do have to say that I once knew a guy who's energy could be 'felt', at least I felt it. I am not kidding. So who knows ...
But how we feel inside surely translates on the outside as well. Problem is what are people who are just a bundle of nerves (like myself) to do LOL
I also deeply respect how you, at no point, bashed any trainers or any training methods. I think one of the biggest faults in the dog training world is our tendency to point out each others' mistakes and perceived shortcomings, rather than getting together and focusing on what does work. Can you imagine if all the trainers - R+ to deeply traditional to just outlandish - got together and actually *worked together* rather than against each other?
What a world that would be...
...Just reminds me of the two best tidbits of advice I've ever received from a dog trainer:
1.) "Never argue with a fanatic."
2.) "There's only one thing two dog trainers can agree on...what the third one's doing wrong." (<---that>s my favorite =] )
Nice post JJ! Very well said & totally agreed!
Check out this post...its more to the point of picking out whats useful and tossing out whats not.
http://dogandogs.com/everything-you-know-about-dog-training-is-wro-1