howlin at… ~d nelson
Over 20 years ago, The New Yorker magazine ran a cartoon with a dog sitting in front of a computer, one paw on the keyboard. The caption read: “On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.”
Here I am, world! Jumping off the screen and into your lap. Being a dog is a joy much of the time. Offering unconditional wet-nose and bright eyes love and getting love in return. Sniffing and licking all the delicious fragrances senses can behold. Chasing after the wind, rolling in stuff, sleeping happily on the grass. Wagging my tail, then doggy biscuits are offered, or food miraculously appears in my bowl. Yet, despite an over-abundance of beauty, there are times when I’m not feeling it, and find myself deep in the dog house. If Master comes home upset, there are times he behaves badly. And as the saying goes, “some people always kick the dog that’s closest to their foot.” There are also times when I’m the victim of my own doing. Caught in painful feelings of sadness, boredom, anger, anxiety or fear. In those moments of lost puppy love and joy I can be found in the dog house. Sometimes pouting, feeling alone and sorry for myself. Other times I’m howling at the moon, even when the moon is not visible. But, the mailman and the neighbors know. They have heard the howl!
In order to throw out the old and gratefully accept the new year, I’m reviewing my thoughts, actions and feelings, and expressing regret for past wrongs. By acknowledging, accepting and comforting them, they can transform. I’ll sincerely recite the following poem about repentance (regret), and greet the lightness and freedom, which I’ve before experienced.
All wrongdoing arises from the mind.
When the mind is purified, what trace of wrong is left?
After repentance, my heart is light like the white clouds
that have always floated over the ancient forest in freedom.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Chanting Book
From this moment on, I’m intending to fulfill my own true dog nature, with a re-dedication, daily. And with my heart, tail, nose and bark, an aspiration that we all awaken to love, gratitude and truth, together.
This reminder is very timely, and I love the chant – thank you! Blessings on the New Year, may it bring you joy, peace and freedom – love, Harula xxx
your blessings make me smile, Harula 🙂 and to you, all the best!
Your intentions are wise. From acknowledgement, acceptance, and compassion comes the change we wish to be. Thanks, Smile.
thanks for your kindness and support, eM. may we find the balance between being the change and being 🙂
Meanwhile, from another stance.
https://bennaga.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/walking-the-dog/
nice, Ben!
death is a wonderful reminder
to live 🙂
Best ever kept in mind.
Aye, if it weren’t for dogs, I’m not sure where we’d find unconditional love in this world…
good point!
with diligent practice
and kind attention
it can be offered
and often found in our hearts 🙂
Yup! ‘Diligence’ being the operative term, there…
Great comment. No one really knows who the person is behind the computer. If they were even close to being comparable to a dog, I would view that as a compliment. There’s no unconditional love than that of a dog. People could take a lesson
you’re kind to share.
domestic dogs do love unconditionally
given care and attention.
if wisdom is measured by
how well species live in harmony on this planet
then people are likely not nearly as wise as dogs
or other living things 🙂
That’s for sure. The wonderful quote by Gandhi says, “You can judge a society by the way it treats its weakest members.”
Your dog is so cute! I want him! What a cute face. But, rolling in stuff… nope, that habit has to go! I had a dog that did that and she was very reluctant to let it go, in fact, she never did.
The last pic with his tongue sticking out just a bit is adorable.
Happy New Year!
Your dog is a terrific Guru.
The dog & I got a laugh out of that! His picture is yours. Alas, that dog lives across the street where he hangs out in the window, a lot. My last rez dog retained her wildness into old age. Made for some bubbly doggie baths. Someday, a dog again. For now I just try to show up when the guru across the street or within try’s to teach me the same lessons over and over again 🙂
Happy New Year to you, too!
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2013 Award! http://18yearsyoung.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/chapters-453-454-455-456-457-458-459-blog-of-the-year/ Happy New Year! xxoo
What an honor to feel recognized by your kindness! A very happy new year, from this humble blogster to you misssamanthajill 🙂
Same to you! 🙂 xxoo
Thank you for your wonderful post and pictures. I am just starting out as a blogger and personal technology coach (my blog is techquanimity: technology meets tranquility). And I love the reminder that on the internet no one knows you’re a dog. For me that means there are no preconceptions, no trying to be who I’m “supposed” to be; there’s just me in all my doggy glory. Ah, freedom.
you’re very kind to share! by all means help others be tranquil! bark away with joy 🙂
Yes, helping others be tranquil. And helping myself with the same. I think HH the Dalai Lama calls that enlightened self-interest. So here I am, barking and wagging.
more wagging
nice! 🙂
Hello, you’ve been nominated for an award, please see here: http://cyberbonn.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/2013-year-end-blogger-award/
thank you for making me feel special this morning 🙂
I love this post! And, thank you for visiting my blog. 🙂
very kind of you to comment!
may your new year
be joyful 🙂
Hope you have a Happy New Year, too!
Hope you have a safe & happy new year, too!
I must apologize for not commenting earlier, somehow it got lost. I’m kinda new to blogging, and I sometimes miss stuff. Like the dogs, very nice.
See what I mean, I forgot to wish you a Happy New Year!
you’re very kind, my friend!
may your new year
be fresh
with each calm breath 🙂
Now I know how I get away with it, nobody knows I am a dog, LOL!
a good boy
i’m sure!
here’s
your bone 🙂
Wonderful post. Love the dog pictures, & loved you leaping out of the computer at me 🙂 Happy new year!
you’re very kind.
it’s a quick way to get past
thinking we are separate 🙂
I love this post. You can learn a lot from a dog.
Thanks Ann, yes dogs taught me much about being happy in the moment 🙂
Thanks, Ann. You made me smile.
Wonderful written. Thanks. I’ll take this with me into the new year.
I’m happy to have words to offer you, Fred
remember wag more
bark less 🙂
My goodness. What soul in those eyes. A wonderful 2014 to you!
you’re very kind, dear one.
may this year be happy
and healing with each breath 🙂