(The picture shows my older dog Twizzle nursing her new born puppies, one of which is called Betty, who also lives with us).
They have the power to put a smile on my face no matter how I feel inside.
They remind me of who I should be.
Let me tell you why:
- They give love continuously and unconditionally
- They are happy with their lot
- They don't fear the future
- They are playful and funny
- They are gentle
- They protect their family
- They are patient
- They are loyal
- They are curious
Would you like to be this person? Consider some of the following points.
It's not easy to give love "continuously and unconditionally". It is a mark of true love, in my opinion, to be able to do this and I know I am not always up to the task. Its easier with an owner/dog partnership, after all, they don't answer back! Do you love anyone or any living creature (not a thing) without asking for anything in return?
"To be happy with your lot"...I believe this is to do with giving gratitude for what you have, for really counting up the things that are good in your life. No matter where we are at any time there is something to be grateful for, and enough things to be grateful for can become happiness and contentment, even if it's just for now.
"Don't fear the future"... do you find yourself often meeting trouble half way? How many times do you notice that you fear something and it either doesn't happen at all, or it does happen but it is more manageable than you thought it would be? Read work by Byron Katie ("Loving what is") if you know this is an issue for you. Her method called "The Work" is easy to comprehend but within its simplicity is the power to totally change the way you look at problems and to learn to manage them in a different way. There are some great clips on you tube that are powerful and deeply touching.
Be "Playful and funny"....when one is bogged down by fear and problems it is so easy to take on the persona of a dour and sour person. One of the great reasons for having a dog, is to be able to watch them play and get up to their antics. You laugh in spite of yourself! Give yourself permission to laugh no matter how grim the situation you find yourself is. It will lift your energy and get you unblocked, able to move yourself forward even if it is just an inch or two. Any movement towards the positive takes you away from the black pit you find yourself looking into.
My last point is to be "curious". I love this word. I am mis-quoting for sure, but there is a quote that says something like "you should live life with the curiosity of a child", (or a Cocker Spaniel) else how will or can we progress, evolve or deepen our appreciation or understanding of ourselves and our world. For me one of the reasons for being in our physical body is to explore, if not the world, then the reaches of our spirit or intellect. "Why?"... can be such a fascinating journey!
Finally, someone sent me the following as an email earlier this year. I don't know who to credit for it but I hope it makes you smile.
Inner Strength
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
(this is a tough one)
If you can take criticism and blame with out resentment,
If you can conquer tension with out medical help,
If you can relax with out adult beverages,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
.................... you are probably
The Family Dog!
Heartfelt greetings to you from this Yogini.
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