Mind, Body, Spirit Connections

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Live like a dog~


Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,

''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.



If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...

Have a great life.

By: Ultima National Resources, LLC

Monday, March 19, 2012

Paw Print

I vacuumed. Ugh.

Then I went to my friend's house with flowers and a card to thank her for coming with me to the vet's last Monday. I was so distraught that Monday, I told the vet that I did not want anything -- no ashes, no "paw print", or her collar, leash, etc.

And there is Barb handing me a bag with Millie's paw print. They did it anyway, somehow knowing that I might change my mind, or that I was out of my mind. How about that? I just couldn't believe it. There I was blubbering in the driveway, so thankful that I had a concrete "memory" after vacuuming up the last of her dog hair.

Millie's paw print is now beside the Buddha in the garden. Resting in peace.  I can visit her daily and smile.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Sunday Musings~

The sun is streaming in the windows, casting shadows of light on the foliage outside and dancing on the water. Another beautiful day and almost a week since I lost Millie. It is quite peculiar how I can hold both the joy and sadness simultaneously.

Many times this week I entered the house and felt the emptiness wash over me. I allowed myself to feel the emptiness, the absence of her, and let the tears fall. I also danced last night with Andy on Flagler Avenue to a great band, laughed with my son visiting on Spring break, and bantered with customers.

Feel, release, feel, release.....like waves coming in and going out....no attachment, but fully present.

We are capable of holding both the sadness and the joy in our lives. Bittersweet. Each day brings us our challenges and it is our attitude and willingness to embrace that creates the optimal environment for living fully.

I am aware too of how the mind can niggle. Andy's daughter is flying in tonight and I need to vacuum the house. I watch myself hesitate as I realize that if I vacuum, I will erase all that is left of Millie physically -- her hair that lies on the rugs and floor. I can feel my hesitation and resistance.

I indulge in my "delay" -- knowing that by taking this action I will empty the house a bit more.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

My forever friend~

My Forever Friend

I know that it must be different,
now that I am no longer here.
I realize how much I was loved
and how all of you did care.

I know it will be hard at first
when you look around for me.
Expecting to find me in my bed
or beside my favorite tree.

Someday you will begin to see,
although it'll take some time,
the happy times you shared with me,
the memories are yours and mine.

I'll remember you, my family,
and how much you meant to me.

So please don't grieve and don't be sad,
it was just my time to leave.



Monday, March 12, 2012

Saying Goodbye~

Millie is ready. I am not. But, she is telling me so. I hate this.

Why is it so hard to say goodbye?

They have a service now that comes to your home so that you do not have to go to the vet. I like that.
I can be with her here at home while they put her to sleep.

It won't be any easier.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Makes one hopeful~

Photographer Michel Denis-Huot, who captured these amazing pictures on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara in October last year, said he was astounded by what he saw:

"These three brothers (cheetahs) have been living together since they left their mother at about 18 months old,' he said. 'On the morning we saw them, they seemed not to be hungry, walking quickly but stopping sometimes to play together.

At one point, they met a group of impala who ran away. But one youngster was
not quick enough and the brothers caught it easily."


These extraordinary scenes followed.











Monday, March 5, 2012

Loving Kindness~

I shared this prayer with the Saturday meditation group and with a few friends who are undergoing cancer treatment and other challenges. A good friend, spirit sister, gifted this to me and I share with you.

Loving Kindness


May I be at peace.
May my heart be open.
May I awaken to the Light
of my own true nature.
May I be healed.
May I be a source of 
healing for all beings.


Amen


Imagine starting every day with this prayer? 

Try it.
Pass it on to those you love.
Let peace abound~

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Our journey~

It is, has always been, and will always be a "we" -- "our" journey is the collective consciousness of which we are inextricably a part of, which is inextricably part of the Universal God Consciousness.

The I AM presence, the Christ Self, resides within each of us awaiting our attention and recognition. The consciousness or awareness of the self in and as the Christ is the journey -- our collective journey of awakening and ascension.

The "I" is diminishing as we understand more deeply that we are all ONE. There is no separation.