Focusing
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Ryan is a muscular, joyful, lanky chocolate Labrador. As I watch him amble down the street, his eyes constantly dance with the sparrows he resists chasing though every fiber of his being says to.
Out of the corner of my eye I spot a massive Rottweiler on the other side of the street, approximately two Ryans in size and easily capable of pulling his companion along like a child with a tissue kite.
I watch my dog closely. For a solitary second, his ears raise, then lower. He sniffs the air deeply. Ryan’s eyes shift sideways to the enormous force of nature on a leash that is now just edging nearer and nearer. Ryan has clearly seen the intruder just as surely as he has seen the sparrows.
To all casual observers, it appears that he’s missed observing the Rotty. His golden eyes focus forward. He increases his pace every so slightly. For all intense and purposes, he’s the only dog on both sides of the sidewalk. He continues this behavior until we round the corner
I catch him again, with a subtle side glance, taking a final look at the dog giant and then continuing on the walk he lives for.
I call this dog warrior tactic, “Eyes Forward.” It’s a life lesson humans could not only learn from but apply to everyday living.
Sometimes we need to be aware of something “HUGE” that may be approaching. Yet that observation doesn’t have to immediately go to fear or apprehension. Nor should we always feel we have to “take it on.”
Perhaps it’s a fellow co-worker who is taking credit for what we feel should be our reward. In some lives, it’s a sibling who seems to get the limelight more than they should. The Universe has a trillion examples. Who is the big ugly dog (and no I don’t believe Rottweilers are an ugly breed) in your life?
Is it possible to keep “eyes forward” and enjoy your journey? Can goals be focused on, while letting others do and be what they wish to be? Large trouble can often be avoided simply by keeping focused on what WE are doing instead of what someone else is doing.
Ryan finds a nearby tree and sends some p-mail (e-mail is the human comparable). He is telling the dog world “I was Here” and he’s enjoying every scent, sound and sight he can possible experience in this current moment. If I could peek into his brain, I am confident that the Rotty isn’t even remotely occupying it. Ryan isn’t dwelling on what isn’t before him.
The day is awakening . . .
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Ryanobie, I love the illustrations, especially of Ryan! It's good not to lose our focus. Our chocolate lab, Brownie, is like that, too. He will avoid a confrontation if he possibly can, but when he feels the situation requires it, he can also take action.
Thanks! Dogs are great teachers.
Aya - you are right. Ryan is the same way. He won't start anything, but he's not adverse to finishing it . . . if he has to.
Some people think Ryan is a bit of a weiny (sp?). I think it comes from him living in a very crowded animal shelter where he had to coexist with a lot of different personalities.
If it's not really important, he simply lets it go.
My personality, on the other hand, struggles with that sometimes . . . so who is the weiny? The one who is smart enough to let it go, or the one who fights battles he can't win, ha.
What a wonderful way to get your point across Jody. Ryan sure can teach us a thing or two! :)
Lest you think Mr. Chocolate is an angel - he can also teach us a thing or two about being a "devil dog" as well, ha!
He has learned the fine art of teasing his young giant canine comrade "Obie" until he sqeaks with displeasure - all the while with Ryan looking completely innocent to most bystanders.
Excellent points! I also think about the fact that Ryan, although not stated, is also not the least bit concerned about what's behind him when he's focused on going forward. Or is he?
Great thought! If only us humans could dwell more in the "now", eh?
I'm constantly thinking of what's in front and what's behind and forget I'm currently in the "middle". It's challenging to be "centered", but oh so rewarding!
Hehe Jody...well we all need a devilish streak or we'd be really boring! Guess it works for dogs too. :P
Great share, my two dogs are constantly trying to teach me new tricks, but, you know what they say about old dogs! When I am at the computer, eyes forward, my Jack has all sort of strange words to try to break my forward gaze.
I know what you mean. Obie looks at me when I'm at the computer with such a sorrowful look - as if to say - "Poor woman is staring at the box again . . . poor thing!"
Amazing how human dogs seem at times. Interesting hub.
k@ri 3 years ago
Great advice! Definitely something to keep in mind every day! Very aptly put.