The Tale of Two Dogs
We have two dogs- each of which approaches life and the Universe very differently.
Maati was taught from birth that she is valued. The family that bred her parents gave her one on one attention every day. They snuggled and talked to her, apart from her siblings. The message she was given is that she is safe. That the world is here for HER. She trusts. She allows humans to pet her and maneuver her body without fear or trepidation.
Maati takes care of herself. She seeks out soft things to lay on, she lays in sunny spots, she rolls in the grass and she cuddles with her humans.
When Maati is fed, she eats what she wants and leaves her bowl, knowing that it will be there for her when she is hungry again. Even if her food is eaten by her sister, she doesn’t mind. She trusts that more will come to her when it is needed. Maati welcomes strangers and seeks connection with others. She is kind and loving because she feels security within.
Magpie had a very different experience during her developmental months. Where we don’t know what those experiences were, we know that she lacks trust in the Universe. Magpie lives her life on guard. She is always vigilant – watching for strangers and any form of threat to herself or her family. She flinches at loud noises and she doesn’t like to be held closely for any period of time. She does not have time for snuggles or close contact.
Magpie does not value rest. She chooses strategic spots where she can nap on the floor. It doesn’t matter if it is warm or cold, or if the floor has a rug or carpet, she just needs to be in some neutral place in between her family members – or between them and any potential threat. At night, she sleeps VERY lightly on the side of the bed closest the door – usually at the head of the bed.
When Magpie is fed, she eats it all immediately. When she is done, she turns to her sisters bowl. She is always on the lookout for any dropped morsels, and anyone willing to share food from their plate. She does not trust that more food will be available to her in the future, although, as far as we know, she has never been without.
Two very different approaches to life. Two choices – to trust that the Universe is here for you, or to assume that It is not, that the Universe is against you.
Of course, it seems obvious that these approaches are the result of past experience. We ALL have life experiences that would seemingly cause us to lean towards one approach or the other. But what if we make a decision to Trust. To spend one day EXPECTING things to go our way. What if we allowed ourselves 5 minutes in the sunny spot – knowing that all we need to get done will STILL be there when we are done. What if we took some time to make fix our bedding so that it is soft and inviting, so we felt at peace when we were there? What if we allowed ourselves the FREEDOM to TRUST that all that we need will come to us? That the Universe will have our backs?
And then – what if we allowed those freedoms to build on each other? Until every day, when we awaken, when we walk into work, when we encounter others, we KNOW that everything will be alright – that it will all work out in terms of our best interest.
2.10.23
