Blessings, Grand Creator!
It is a frigid morning here in the Upper Valley. The temperature reads -2°F, but there’s no wind, as I watch smoke from all the chimneys rise straight up in puffy columns, the evidence of heat and warm homes. There’s not a cloud in the sky, and the horizon holds the last muted hues of the fiery tones of dawn, transitioning to the bright blues of a beautiful day.
A wonderful dog I know just passed away.
What is it about animals, right?
We spend such intimate time with them that they often become like family. Maybe even better than family; or, at least, they reach the best parts.
Here’s this beast, really; who just shows up all the time, just full of love and affection, with appreciation for us and our care; and, is pretty consistent in routine and behavior.
If only a sibling, child, parent, or spouse was like that.
Now, I don’t say this to criticize the humans in our lives. I get it – those are very complex relationships. I just want to shine a light of appreciation on the special relationship we often have with our pets.
In my own life, there was something so comforting and restorative, even on my worst days; to have this companion shower me with warm appreciation and attention, and unconditional love.
It makes a difference; it nourishes a seed of hope – to be loved, when one feels unlovable. And, to be able to love. To appreciate the connection with this other living being – time spent; the reminder of the importance of play, and rest; the acceptance of responsibility of care as an expression of love.
There’s just nothing like the wagging tail of a dog glad that you’re home, or the purring cat in your lap, or beating heart that you feel as you lay together. And, there’s something so touching, straight to your heart, when you’re upset, and she comes and looks at you with eyes that say, “I’m not sure what to do or how to help, but I’m right here; and, I love you.”
There is a branch of life coaching called equus training, which involves working with horses. I haven’t done it yet, but I believe I will. I’ve always had a dream of being a horseman, ever since I was a kid watching The Lone Ranger, and seeing his relationship with his white horse, Silver.
From what I understand (and Martha Beck has an in-depth description in her book, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World, sharing her experience training with Koelle Simpson and Monty Roberts, “The Horse Whisperer”). It’s not about mastery over the horse, but finding Unity and Partnership. It seems that there’s a real test – in that, to connect with a horse, you have to be really clear in intention, and authentic; and, you have to let go of expectation and control. Anything else, and the horse is aware, and the connection is broken.
The powerful thing – to me – is that it shows and proves that when we carry the extra baggage of doubts, assumptions, suppositions, and expectations – they send out signals. The horses know it. And, I believe, in very subtle ways, those things are also picked up on in our human interactions.
Don’t mean exactly what you’re saying? It will be noticed. Carrying worry, concern, or self-doubt? It will be felt.
I think anytime we aren’t being 100% authentic, others know. Also, when people around us aren’t being true to themselves, we feel it – maybe it’s a hunch, or a doubt; just something that triggers our intuition and speaks to our deeper self.
Still, we walk around interacting with humans, where there are a lot of walls up and masks on. We are equal parts paranoid and suspicious; doubtful of a lot that we see and feel.
Then, we spend time with an animal, who knows nothing but to be authentic – its True Self. And, it’s refreshing; we are reminded.
I remember near the end of Life Coach Training, Martha did an exercise where she asked us to remember a pet we had when we were younger – remember its personality and behavior; remember what we loved about this animal.
I didn’t go back to my childhood. I immediately remembered meeting this dog when she was an exuberant little puppy. She was so enthusiastic and loving, wagging her tail so vigorously it would wag her whole body; and, she would want to climb up and cuddle, always trying to snuggle closer. So energetic and loving, you couldn’t help but smile, feel joy, and be filled with love.
The second part of Martha’s exercise was to play “The Metaphor Game” – make connections with how that pet was like our own young coaching practice. I recognized that is what I enjoy bringing to my coaching – energy, enthusiasm, and a lot of love; and, I’m excited to help you smile, find your Joy, and connect with your True Self.
Thank you for sharing with me, loving me, and teaching me so much, Great Spirit Guide. You are such a Good Dog!
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