I’m a pretty simple dog. I have a fairly regular daily schedule that involves sleep, food, love, playtime, food, and more sleep. I can’t complain. But sometimes I do wonder what Rusty and other pals from my past would think of my life if they could somehow live it with me.
I am incredibly grateful for the people in my life, and all of my fur friends, yet sometimes I long for perspective from those I can no longer reach. This curious loneliness often takes me by surprise. I know what Rusty would say about this, which is oddly similar to what Sarah Ban Breathnach advises in Simple Abundance. So today I take in my life in slow motion as one of these distant loved ones might do from doggie heaven.
“Mary Kingsley was a hunter of a dream: the knowledge of who she really was and her place in the world. So are you,” Breathnach writes. “Yet even without encountering the daily dangers she faced…you have embarked on an adventure as exciting as that of any explorer. Uncovering the source of the Nile or charting the course of the Amazon are outward parallels to the inner journey you are on today – a safari of the self and spirit.”
On my safari, I have learned everyone we meet becomes as big a part of ourselves as we let them. Sometimes the more we take in though our interactions with others, the more we get to know our authentic selves. And we are more likely to let them in if we let our guard down and take a risk. That is where our journey to self discovery can take a challenging yet necessary turn toward the unexpected dangers of life’s adventures. But it is ultimately up to us to find the purpose behind our fears and make something of ourselves.
Every now and then, I’ll be caught in the middle while my people parents throw around one of my toys and I find myself wondering if Rusty is looking down on me from doggie heaven. Would he be proud of me? I know he would be very happy with my efforts to see the good in all people and things. And he would be absolutely ecstatic to find out I’m sharing my joy with whoever I meet in the world and in cyberspace. But would I make him proud?
Of that, I’m not so sure. I’m a pretty simple dog living a fairly scheduled life. So I stay the course on my safari of self and spirit and hope my life in slow motion does as much for others as it does for me.
Wiley that was beautiful, as always! May I ask what kind of dog you are..what breed? I keep getting a vision of you in a novel I am writing, but his name is Cotton, and he’s pure white!
Thank you Leisa! Your curiosity is in good company as it pertains to my breed….I never knew my dad but I’m pretty sure my mom was what people call a Norfolk Terrier. Others have hypothesized I may have some West Highland or Carin terrier in me, but at 22 pounds and just about two feet tall I’m a lot bigger than those breeds. Your vision is as good as mine. I’d love to hear more about Cotton – something tells me we would be good pals!
Ahh I knew terrier but was uncertain as to which type. I am certain you would like Cotton she is very wise, but full of a good degree of curiosity that keeps her senses sharp!
Oh and by the way I nominated you for the Reality Award because I love reading your wise and insighftul posts from your perspective! W00F
http://tarotalchemist.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/reality-award/
Wow, what an honor! Thank you Leisa, for believing in little ole me! ๐
I do believe in terriers I do I do ๐
My pleasure! *gives you a pat*
[…] Life in Slow Motion | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
2 feet tall! ๐ฎ We didn’t realise you were such a big little dog Wiley! We thought you were a Norwich terrier, so I guess that’s why we thought you were pint-sized. By the way, I thought I’d let you know my mum (the boys’ grandma) has been really enjoying reading your blog too; she says she likes your chat ๐ With avid readers all over the world, I’m sure Rusty is proud of you!
Dear pals in the UK—
Thank you for spreading the word…my biggest goal with this blog is to share my joy with others, so hearing that absolutely made my day. I sincerely appreciate it.
All my best,
*Wiles*
Dear UK pals,
There is something you should know. My mom and dad were debating my height last night, and it turns out I may not quite be 2 feet tall. Perhaps I’m only a foot to a foot and a half tall. I blame the defiant male terrier in me for this overcompensation, but I apologize for any confusion I may have caused. ๐
Ahh yes, the defiant male terrier ๐ We know all about them Wiley ๐ I do hope those wonderful uppy ears of yours were included in your height measurements too ๐
Thank you Wiley Schmidt. I fully agree with you and appreciate what you said. This comment “But it is ultimately up to us to find the purpose behind our fears and make something of ourselves.” really rang true and deep for me. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dear Chatter Master,
Thank you for your feedback…it is sincerely appreciated as always. Come and visit me again soon! ๐
*Wiles*
Big hugs Wiley…You are a treasure!!!!
Big hugs right back at ya! ๐
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[…] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT2fM3-seUE Track Seven: Life In Slow Motion, David Gray. A reminder to stop and appreciate life’s special moments. https://wileyschmidt.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/life-in-slow-motion/ […]
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Simple is as simple does.
I can’t imagine for a second that you wouldn’t make him proud!! What a lovely post, I do so love stopping buy you always make me feel so calm and happy – thank you x