animal teachings

Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog: Let Go

Posted by Barbara Techel

Wednesdays with the wisdom of dog - let go

Let go. Is this not the hardest lesson to learn?

I have a feeling if we really got it and I mean really understood this one lesson…well, then the word struggle would cease to exist.

I can say that each one of my dogs have absolutely been a teacher for me in this one lesson that I need reminding of quite often.

With Gidget’s third episode of a seizure, this time while I was not home on Sunday, the letting go of worry and fear really got my attention. I could stay in this place of fear for the rest of her and my life… and then neither of us would truly be living…

Or I could trust and let go that all will be well or be whatever it is meant to be. We think if we hold on and try to control that nothing bad will happen.

But we aren’t in control. Even though we like to think we are. While we can do our due diligence in taking steps to learn all we can to make our lives and the lives of those we love as happy and good as it can be, the rest is learning to let go and trust what is.

Maybe others don’t see it this way and that’s okay. Sometimes I don’t want to believe that letting go is the right thing to do – but then I believe that is only because I’m trying to control some outcome that I’m imagining- one that may never be. And control really does come from a place of being in fear.

So to let go is to live fully. To trust that our lives are unfolding just as they are meant to be.

Gidget is certainly my reminder right now of that. It is so close to the surface pulsing through my many thoughts. So I’m being reminded once again– let go and trust.  And to deeply appreciate and savor each moment of this delicate dance we do while here on this earth.

Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog: Simplicity

Posted by Barbara Techel

Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog: Simplicity

I picture Snoopy when I think of simplicity. His little stick with a bandana tied to the end forming a sack with just his few belongings – likely just his dog bowls and some food – and perhaps a bit of bird seed for his sidekick Woodstock.

He could go anywhere, really— explore the world with just a few basic needs.

For many years now I’ve been trying to simplify my life. Unloading stuff that is no longer necessary – many of which were really never necessary to begin with. But at the time I just felt I had to have.

I’ve gotten better at living more simply and I continue to make strides. For me, this means really consciously thinking about what I bring into my home and about the purchases I make.

There is something so enticing about simplicity that Dog never needs to change their outfit. They are beautiful just as they are.

They don’t worry about what shampoo to buy, what makeup to wear or new trends that come out. What you see, is what you get with them.

Though there are many elaborate dog houses out on the market, I think if they could speak and we humans would listen, it isn’t what matters to them. They just want a soft place to lay next to the master they love.

I believe in all their many ways of being that Dog conveys to us to keep it simple. Like just going for walk with them – the simplicity in that brings so much joy for me. Or just sitting with them on the floor or sofa. That’s it, plain and simple – just being in the presence with each other – nothing else needed.

Simple, simple, simple = joy, joy, joy = more freedom.

—

Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!

Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog: Patience

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_2306

Today as I was trying to do my final yoga cool down stretches, Miss Gidget was having nothing of it. She wanted to be pet. She kept pushing her head into my hands as I tried doing pigeon pose.

So I gave up.

Then as I tried to roll up my mat, she wouldn’t budge. I’d roll it a little ways and she reluctantly would only move an inch or two. Little by little I tried to roll up my yoga mat with this wee little dog trying everything to get my attention. “Hey little one,” I said. “You are testing my patience today.”

But then I realized her sweet message to me. Just pause a moment longer. As if she was saying, sit in this moment with me. Drink it all in. This moment, right here, right now, with my adoring eyes looking into yours is all that matters.

We silly humans we always have our agendas, don’t we?  I know patience isn’t always my strong suit when my day does not unfold as I had “planned.” But I’ve sure gotten much better about it over the years thanks in big part to my dogs.

And oh, how sweet it was to linger just a few moments longer before I got on with my day. And another notch stronger in the patience department I am for it.

Smart dog, Gidget. Smart dog.

This is part of a weekly series of lessons I’ve learned from my dogs, and/or something I feel they are trying to teach us. I welcome your thoughts on any of the lessons or teachings that resonate with you.

—

Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!