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Posts from the ‘Dogs’ Category

Jul 13

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Full Throttle

“There’s a rebel lying deep in my soul.” – Clint Eastwood

A long weekend cabin getaway was good medicine for all participants. The dogs waded in the lake, wandered in the woods, played without hesitation and rested well. On the last escape into the woods, Molly came back looking like a large skunk, unapologetic. If you’re going to go, go big, go deep, get dirty, no holding back, nothing less than full throttle.

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” – Lord Byron

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” – Lord Byron

When people disappoint (and they will, including you), when you question your commitments, don’t measure your input by others input or lack thereof. We only have control of how and what we invest into each day. A life well-lived comes up short if not lived at full throttle, in the present, to our complete capacity and potential. Be a full participant, not a spectator.

Jul 1

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Summer Delight

“You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life.” – Daisnku Ikeda

I’m still waiting for a “slow” summer. In the past week, I’ve heard several times from others that they can’t believe it’s the 4th of July already, half of the year over. Summer calls out the best in us, inviting us deep and long into each day. We take it a little easier, walk a little lighter.

On Monday evening, Jeanne and I went for a run at Como Lake. The weather shifted quickly so we cut the run short and snuck into the pavilion for a water that turned into a beer. As we listened to live big band music and watched some dancing, the skies opened wide and the rain pounded the pavement. As soon as the down pour started, three little kids rushed out of the shelter into the rain and through puddles with pure joy and delight, without hesitation.

Kids and dogs don’t overthink or complicate their life. They just live it and every damn moment of it. As you celebrate independence day, may we all find the freedom that our four legged friends and little ones have mastered.

Summer, kids and dogs are calling. Heed the call.

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France

Jun 14

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A Breeze and a Stick

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” – Joseph Campbell

When walking the girls this morning with my thoughts bouncing to the week ahead and the month behind, a breeze came off the lake and for a moment I was held and engulfed, awakened to God right in the midst of the moment. Always present, never alone and gently carried whether I realize it or not.

Listen, watch and hear all that is around calling out to let us know that we are alright. A few hours later, the girls began to play with a stick. It instantly made for play and fun. A stick, a simple stick.

Enjoy each day and be open to the breezes and sticks that enter our day to call us out of our thoughts and worries into the moment. A breeze and a stick – sacred space found.

“Oh, my God, this amazing cool breeze is coming through my window and the sun is shining. I'm happy.” – Liv Tyler

“Oh, my God, this amazing cool breeze is coming through my window and the sun is shining. I’m happy.” – Liv Tyler

May 29

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Good Therapy

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward

Whether on vacation or amidst everyday life, find your therapy – that which brings solace and guides you back to your center, focused on the present with a fullness of gratitude.

Five days in New York with my best friend from college was good therapy this week. While New York is fast-paced, loud, packed and chaotic, solace was found in conversation, culture and connection right in the middle of it all.

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare

From a Broadway Show to Carnegie Hall to the 911 Memorial and Museum, we soaked in the sights, sounds and time together creating new memories. One of my favorite places in New York was the Highline Park – an old railroad line above the city that was converted into a beautiful 1.5 mile walking park 30 feet above street level. Flowers and benches dispersed between old tracks that used to carry commerce back in the day. Instead of discarding or destroying it, they transformed it into a place of transformation and beauty. Good therapy.

Yesterday after her vet appointment, I brought Lily over to visit Mom at transitional care where she’s healing from a hip replacement. When I got there, Mom was in physical therapy so I walked Lily over to say “hi.” The patients’ eyes lit up and Lily got herself right in the middle of the action. Like she does for me every day, Lily brought a little delight and broke up the day for a few sweet souls. The therapist told me today that they talked about Lily’s visit the rest of the day. Good therapy.

True joy and delight is not far off hidden in someday or when conditions are suddenly perfect or only on vacation. It is present for us each day when we are present and open. When you find it, share it with others so they can join in as well. Good therapy.

Apr 19

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By My Side

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” – Mother Teresa

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” – Mother Teresa

Molly went in for her spring grooming last week. Lily knew something was up when we were leaving and tried to nose her way out the door with us. The same way Molly does when I take Lily for her allergy appointments. Molly was gone for four hours. When I brought her home, Lily pounced on Molly with elation as if she was gone for four months. Never saying a word, they communicate volumes.

One of my favorite quotes is from St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Our actions – what we do, our follow-through, time and attention offered freely, promises kept, a long gazing look, a smile mean so much more than empty words unfulfilled. It’s a noisy world. Make your actions and words count.

Apr 11

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The Hunter

“Searching is half the fun: life is much more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party.” – Jimmy Buffett

At times we get stuck in the rut of our thoughts and circumstances. We wait for something to move us when we need to hunt up joy and light to get a new perspective, to get unstuck.

From the excitement of a squirrel pouncing from tree to tree to the delight of a leaf blowing down the path, Lily understands the bounty found in curiosity and attention to the very moment she’s in. Fully present with ears perked up and bounce in her step, she does not wait for adventure, she pursues it.

My happy little hunter emerges herself deep in the present, senses fully engaged in new sights, sounds and smells. She’s discovered that all that we need is close at hand ready to be captured by our hunting spirit.

“My aim in life isn't so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit.” – Charles Saatchi

“My aim in life isn’t so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit.” – Charles Saatchi

 

Mar 8

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1825 days

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” – Anne Frank

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” – Anne Frank

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

We celebrated Lily’s 5th birthday today. Or from her perspective, she’s celebrating 1825 days since she makes each and every one count. Make today, tomorrow and the next day count with enthusiasm, gratitude and generosity of spirit. Happy day.

Mar 7

7 Comments

Thaw

“Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.” – William Alexander

After high 30s yesterday and with a steady increase into the 50s the next few days, the snow will melt transforming the hard ground into soft green grass. The spring thaw uncovers not only the girls’ toys but my socks that they’ve snuck out the past four months. When they grabbed one this morning, I let them go knowing clean up begins today and it gave me a good laugh.

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” – Ellis Peters

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” – Ellis Peters

The thaw brings a newness and fresh start that we all need on many levels. It’s been a particularly busy three months and there’s been a lot of autopilot just grinding it out, doing more and more. Frozen and buried in habits of too much doing.

As winter transforms to spring, so can we. The thaw of our judgments, assumptions and ego makes way for hope, joy, kindness and delight in each day. The buds asleep beneath the earth break through and the beauty and promise of what’s next reveals itself in its own time. Cast light and let the thaw begin.

Feb 28

9 Comments

Expect and Accept

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” – Henri Nouwen

When my mind strays too far ahead or lags behind staring the rear view mirror, I am brought back to the moment by a smile, a reminder to find joy in now.

Many of the best life lessons I’ve learned are from my dogs. How to smile, dance, gaze, enjoy, forget, forgive, be present, rest, play, be welcoming, encouraging and loving without conditions. Perhaps the reason that our dogs live such short lives is that they live each moment fully, without hesitation, assumption or judgment. Nothing is wasted or taken for granted.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward

A warm smile, a simple act, a kind word can change someone’s day, maybe even transform it. We have a tremendous opportunity, obligation, to make the world better by giving our best. Our world expands and deepens when we shift our focus off “me” outward to care and concern for others.

Expect more and accept what is now. Be surprised and delighted today. And get your smile on.

Dec 22

10 Comments

New Old Self

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” – Gilda Radner

For the past seven weeks, Lily has been wearing a cone on her head to stop her from scratching at her face. Thanks to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital treatment, the infection is healing with a combination of medications and she’s been “cone-free” for five days. She’ll be going back in January to start tests for food allergies.

Even with the cone on her head, she’s kept a good attitude but not quite herself. In the past week, Lily’s starting to get back to her new “old self.” Frolicking, wrestling and of course getting into a bit of trouble.

On Friday when we were opening gifts at our first round of Christmas family events, she was busy on the table eating dessert ahead of us. Luckily we caught her in time before she cleared the table. She’s back on her game, full bounce in her step.

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” – Dr. Seuss

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” – Dr. Seuss

We all go through stretches of difficulties and challenges (cones on our head) where we lose perspective and a bit of ourselves. And when we come through, we return to our old selves but somehow newer, stronger, with a deeper gratitude.

And Lily highly recommends eating dessert first. It’s a sweet life.

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