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The state of the world has really sucked the wind out of my sails and put me in a state of watchful grief. It has been hard to find my equilibrium.
Luckily for Marsha and me, we found a way to get a little peace of mind when we visited Dogland this past week. We were dog-sitting Copper, our son’s family pet.
The only requirement in visiting Dogland, we discovered, is that we leave our problems at the door.
In Dogland there are but three concerns:
- eating
- sleeping
- playing
The in-between spaces are for on chewing on whatever is handy.
So Marsha and I shared five blissful days in Dogland where we were transported out of our troubled world into a far more happy and contented place.
We learned that the residents of Dogland live in the eternal now and are encouraged to make the most out of every moment.
Our stay reminded me of the first time I visited Dogland.
It was in 1975.
I had set out on a long run along the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. I desperately wanted to clear my much troubled mind. But mile after mile my troubles pursued me. Finally, in one desperate act to break free, I jumped into the ice cold waters of the lake.
Alas, to no avail. I could not free myself of my thoughts. So I pulled myself out of the lake, plunked down on the grass and threw in the towel.
I couldn’t escape my troubles and all seemed so hopeless.
When I was getting ready to burst into tears a big, burly hound jumped on me and began licking me with big, slobbering kisses, welcoming me to a place I’d never been to before.
Dogland!
I immediately felt like a kid again.
In no time this big, lovable dog had my complete attention.
She had done for me what I could not do for myself — empty my mind.
Before long we were rolling around in the grass having quite the time. It was as if she had uncollared me, giving me a taste of untethered happiness.
The kind of happiness you can only find in Dogland where you focus ALL your attention on the other and not on yourself.
I discovered my joy in the moment trumped my fears about the future.
We played for the better part of an hour before the dog’s owner retrieved her and I bid goodbye to Dogland.
But not before I’d been restored.
When I returned home I couldn’t help but reflect on what had just happened. As much as I appreciate thoughtfulness, I recognized I have an equal need for —
thought – less – ness
I learned that pets are masters of living in the here and now.
When a dog calls you out to play it’s best to obey.
Dogs are our best friend for a reason.
Throughout our week with Copper we never thought about the news of the day, only the news from Dogland, where there are no
- conflicting motives,
- hidden agendas
- mixed messages.
Dogs are quite chaste in their intentions —
When not eating or sleeping their only objective is — living a play-filled life.
What better way to find:
In Dogland thoughts are put on a leash — so that the spirit can run free.
Copper gave us a five-day pass to a simpler place.
“A friend may smile and bid you hail,
Yet wish you with the devil;
But when a good dog wags his tail,
You know he’s on the level.” ~ Jerry Smith, The Sentinel, 1920
Just a thought…
Pat
I have been looking for a little starting-over music to help us get ready for the long road ahead.
Enjoy this piece from Edvard Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning Mood