I'm so glad it's Monday...
because on Sunday
life challenged
my practice
of joy
it all started when…
I launched Henny’s
blue rubber ball
with her new
Chuck-it thrower
collar tags jingling
30 foot lead trailing
she headed north
intent to retrieve
the timing could not have been worse
for doe
to effortlessly mount front yard’s rock wall
into line of sight
there was a pregnant
cartoon-like pause
before
“Henny—NOOOOOO!”
was ignored
eight legs disappeared into the brush
heading west
with help from neighbors dear
driving, calling, bare feet in mud
clothing covered with autumn’s Velcro seeds
Henny was found in leaf hidden area
neighbor J heard her crying
leash tangled
like an errant ball of yarn
Henrietta was stuck
awaiting rescue
Oh bother! as Winnie the Pooh would say.
The incident with a happy ending left me full of internal questions about the stories I was telling myself—most of them centered on embarrassment and asking for help.
While I sorted my feelings and stories, I was challenged to find joy in presence.
I’ll say…
I mindfully did my human best.
I learned.
And after a good sleep, I’m ready to distribute the Gift of Shared Kindness today!
If you have not already, please let me know if you would like to receive a free PDF or physical copy.
:)
Joyful Monday!
So reminiscent of "Life is what happens to you while you're making other plans." I'm thinking bare, muddy feet (neighbor?) were not in the plan. Asking for help? Not in the plan. And once again, owning your rush of feelings in the sweep of that moment, your characteristic of honest self-appraisal shone through. So why would neighbors want to divert themselves from "their plans" in service to your needs? You're a source of joy? Your practice of "Want a friend? Be a friend?" Or the recently shared fresh batch of muffins right from your oven? Or...or. The standard of perfection serves few well, yet it seems so easy to fall prey to its menace. A customer of long-standing - and dear friend - recently called in a tizzy! She had banged into her garage door as she backed out! (I think an accidental touch of the remote...) I intervened, mostly to swap places with the suv that sits mostly unused in the other bay, allowing her continued garaged shelter for her car. Twice after that, in conversation, my friend beat herself up for "being so dumb" and "being stupid." In the midst of the rest of her busy life, she was headed once more to continue with the total refurbishment of her gardener's home. Her self-judgment fell so far short of her actual life. For some those internal messages serve to motivate, notwithstanding collateral damage. Some choose a quick spot check of what happened, and in the spirit of loving-kindness for oneself, release the errant message, and move on. Monday inspiration!
Whew! Instinct can get one into serious trouble just like thought or thinking can't it? But, I write for another reason. It is this. Years ago from sources long forgotten or misplaced, yet supported by the work of Wilfred Bion, I explored the benefits of "praise". What was learned about effective praise might be relevant to gratitude. In a nutshell praise to be effective must be "personal and specific". Praise in public actually diminished its benefits. "Personal and Specific" as possible. So, privately I'll express my gratitude for you and your work. That is, as soon as I receive my PDFs.