PUPPY LOVE

Have you noticed the changes that now come barreling into our awareness and our very lives on a daily basis in the most surprising manner? It seems that a great cosmic storm has beset itself upon the earth! Witness tornados, derechos, torrential rain, hail the size of baseballs, flooding, wildfires, brooding volcanic activity, mysterious sudden deaths and illnesses, crazy drivers, mass shootings, corrosive politics, undeniable upsurge in racist, religious, gender-based hatred, continued war, war, and more war. News that is not fit to print. News that should be printed but is not. This is not a comprehensive list of the many ways in which our perception is being uprooted as to what a safe world should look like.

We are being shaken to the core. Indeed, we are being stripped down to our birthday suits. Like it or not. We are being forced to question what it takes to reside in a world that has become increasingly unpredictable. This is a new experience for many of us. Now we need to give consideration to where we go when we go out into the world-will this or that place be safe? Even staying in one’s home is not a guarantee of safety. All we need do is look at what has happened in Lahaina, Maui. The death count is rising. How could such a fierce fire happen in the first place and with little to no warning to the people? And what is valid to be taught? Only the history of white conquest? Is that not indoctrination? Why is the teaching of Black history deemed indoctrination when the teaching of white colonialism is considered acceptable?

What does all of this mean for those of us who are alive at this time?

As I ponder such questions each day with each new curve ball and tragedy, I realize that I am left to face myself while asking, how do I choose to live in such a wild world? Leaving all agendas aside, for there are many, I recognize that I have no control over what anyone else thinks or does in any given moment. What I can control is my reactions. I can push the inner reset button for calm and peace, grounding myself even though all around me is swirling mayhem. And then, I can extend a hand to assist those who choose to come in out of the storm. I can offer a hug. I can offer love. I cannot fix everything. But I can hug and love. I can help others in the ways that are possible for me. And I most especially can and do draw upon the presence of Mother-Father God no matter what.

For today, I am relying on puppy love. Dogs love unconditionally. They have great patience. They know how to have fun. They get us outdoors in nature. They teach us how to sniff, throw sticks, shake the lake waters off and drink out of dirty puddles as well as enjoy (or not) deer poo. Really, from a dog’s perspective when life is able to be lived from this angle, life is good! And then there’s snuggle time, unconditional loving scratch time on the belly. Maybe when I come back in the next lifetime I’ll come as a puppy. Grandmother Twylah Nitsch, Seneca elder and teacher, said: “The animals, they are here to help us poor souls. They have already completed their lessons.” So, aha, puppies are bodhisattvas!!!

Have a fabulous day!

Love,

Barb

PUPPY LOVE

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