A Tribute to Miller

More than 10 years ago, as I embarked on my adventure in animal physical rehabilitation, a man and his dog walked into my new practice. The man was Bennie. The dog was Miller. Both had hearts of gold. 

Miller, a handsome 17 month old Labrador Retriever, had been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and given a very grave prognosis - cripple by the age of three. Bennie was determined to slow down the ravaging effects of the disease. So began Miller's hydrotherapy and our friendship.

Every week for the last decade Bennie has brought Miller to our facility for therapy - until this week. Miller's pain had become unbearable and unmanageable. He was tired. Death is the final healing.

Thursday afternoons at Animal Health and Hydro will never be the same. The hours spent swimming Miller, challenging him in

the pool, playing games and inventing new ones. Miller was my therapy, not the other way round. 


During the process of saying goodbye Bennie remarked on how Miller was an angel in disguise for he was responsible for bringing the two of us together. Bennie and I have laughed together until tears streamed down our cheeks. We have competed, each one trying to outdo the other with the number of holidays and our holiday

destinations. We have supported each other
through the birth of new business ventures and the birth of Bennie's son; through familial tragedies and accidents, to personal loss. I have treated wounds on Bennie's fingers following an unfortunate accident involving an electric plane. Bennie has lifted my spirits, with spirits, during times of depression. Bennie is a friend in a million. We met because of his dog Miller, a friend in a million.

Rest in peace magnificent dog that beat the veterinary odds. You always had your wings, now you can fly.                                                                           

Receiving Love and Abundance

Over the preceding weeks I have been challenged with finding balance (haven't we all?) in all aspects of my life. Listening to Naisha Ahsian www.naisha.com and her reading for the month of October I discovered a truth. The truth is one I have never considered until now. Very simply, we cannot exhale unless we first inhale. Does that sound a bit cryptic when referring to balance?

The teaching revolved around joy and gratitude, and how the two were a balance of each 

other. Gratitude is similar to exhalation, and joy to inhalation. In order to be grateful and experience gratitude, we must first bathe in the joy of receiving... And then the Universe thought it would test my learning.

 Last week my husband and I were blessed with the presence of some members of our spiritual family. They are in South Africa to attend a retreat and these dear people spent some time in our home. Hugh and I recently moved into our new house and our friends arrived with boxes of gifts for our space. I was surprised and my initial response  (in my mind) was that I couldn’t possibly accept all these beautiful items. I paused and chose to embrace their generosity. Wow! I have an entire crockery set, with extras for serving, wine glasses, trinkets, place settings, the list goes on. All of these are perfect for my new home.

Later that day one of my friends commented on how special the energy is in my practice, and how he can appreciate and see the dedication that my team have to their patients. The first response (again in my mind) was to mentally shrug it off with a comment like, “Doesn’t this happen everywhere?” Instead, I paused. I inhaled. In that moment I made another choice. I chose to accept this genuine observation and compliment, as well as the role I have played in its creation. After a split second I looked up and said, “Thank you.”

 In both moments I chose to receive. Thereafter, I experienced the joy of generosity and love shared. For the rest of the week I have been showered with abundance. I wrote to my family on our WhatsApp group.

“I chose a different path yesterday. I decided to receive. The part that each of you has played as I learn to do this is not to be underestimated. It is enormous. It has always been easy for me to give, often in my life to the point of depletion. Now, I must receive blessings, love, gifts and joy to enable me to give in balance. Thank you from the depths of my heart.”

Remember to breathe, inhale and exhale, and then to receive. The rest will follow.

The Gift of the Human Body

This morning while writing in my journal, my thoughts just did not want to flow. I felt tired. When I climbed into bed last night, my body ached. It had been a busy and physical day.

As I pondered about, and focused on my body I became filled with gratitude at the miracle that houses my Soul. This body has served me well for a number of decades. I have always been active. I love to move. Participating in many different sports as a child, and at varsity, has created awareness and balance. I can add great physical feats like climbing Kilimanjaro and completing the Comrades Ultra Marathon. I work in an active profession. In this respect, my body has done remarkably well!

But this is not all.

There is so much more to the human body than the obvious. My body is a pathway to reconnection with Spirit – with All That Is. This may sound confusing. In certain spiritual circles there is the idea that incarnation on Planet Earth has separated us from Source. How can my physical form then be a means of reconnecting?

I have a few thoughts on the topic.

1.    Breath  When I take a deep breath, or two, I become centred. As I focus on my breath entering and leaving my body I become present. When I am “in my body” I must be in the NOW. This is the only space from which I can connect with God. In that moment I am one with Mother Earth and The Cosmos. I can use my breath as a technique to stay present.

2.    Expansion and Contraction When I am feeling uncertain and edgy, perhaps I am faced with an important decision or I must broach a difficult subject with a colleague or family member then I can feel the tension in my body. Become accustomed to how emotions can be expressed by/in your body. Create a scenario with a few different options of dealing with the issue. Then take some time to feel each option in your body. Does the option feel contracted or expanded? Contraction represents ego. Expansion is heart-centred. My body can show me the way to reconnecting with the Greater Good.

3.    Emotion The body stores emotion. It has emerged that trauma is stored in the body. Trauma can manifest as disease. This can be explained on a scientific and physiologic level but you do not have to be an academic to understand this, or work with it. Very simply, in order to release the trauma, there needs to be a physical action, often accompanied by a sound. If trauma is stored in our bodies, I feel joy and triumph can also be stored in our bodies. I have begun to replace my traumas with my wins. As such, I believe I am reprogramming my body to wellness. Every time I experience a “WIN” I physically punch the sky, do a high five or jump up and down with joy while simultaneously shouting “Yes!” or “I win!” or anything that seems appropriate. 

Physical action + Sound = Pleasurable emotion stored in my body. 

     I celebrate at least one win every day.

In closing, our human bodies are a gift. They are perfectly designed for life on our beloved planet while inherently containing all that we require to reconnect, and stay connected, to Spirit on our Earthly Journey. What a pleasure!

Inspiration

 What inspires you? I am inspired by personal stories of triumph. It is true, that despite appearances, everyone is fighting some battle: an abusive partner, a dying parent, a desperately ill child, no money for food or simply a terrifying exam. Remember this and be kind and gracious to all that you meet.

I am inspired by finishers of the Comrades Ultra marathon - especially those that have a full time job and are not paid to run. I receive inspiration from the mother of a special needs child who ensures that her child has everything she can provide before thinking about her own needs. I am inspired by tireless Hospice workers and welfare volunteers. Successful business people inspire me - specifically those that share their wealth and knowledge. 

I am inspired by a single person I met this week that took the time to listen to my story - parts of it - and recognised by humanness without judgement. This space happens when there are no preconceived ideas and notions of how someone should behave. I have great clarity and immense peace because one person took the time, created a safe space, and allowed. What a huge difference this has made to me.

What difference can you make today? Can you repeat it tomorrow? And the day after? What inspiration are you to those who cross your path?

Making Magic

I encountered an interesting article entitled, "You are a Magician". I was intrigued. It began with a definition of magic.

Magic is the Art and Science of causing change to occur in conformity with Will.

What does this mean? How does this apply to me? How can I be a magician? 

One of the best examples in my own life has to do with public speaking. As a result of certain events that occurred in my childhood, I lack self-confidence. Do not misunderstand me. I am very confident when practising my profession. I have developed skills and incorporated learning that fill me with confidence when I work. I know this stuff! 

BUT self-confidence is an entirely different matter. I do not or have not practised confidence in myself since about the age of 11. Why do I say this? Because I 'hide' myself. I do not inhabit the space I know as "self". In reality, for many years I did not even know myself. I was too scared to be myself because I was afraid no-one would like me. What do I have to offer to the world?

What does this have to do with public speaking and magic? I discovered, over time, that I love to teach. I love to share my knowledge because it is my belief that knowledge is power. I began to do this in every consultation until a client proposed that I gather some of my knowledge and present a workshop. I balked at the idea for a long time but the seed was planted. 

Slowly I began to think about what I would like to share and how I would do it. Part of this journey was to uncover my "self". I also realised that I needed some help in constructing presentations. I sought advice, watched webinars and attended workshops on public speaking. Today I can stand up in front of a room full of people and deliver a speech! 

I have created magic! 

I decided (my Will in the original definition) to pursue public speaking and now I am most capable(through desire and intent I have changed an aspect of myself). 

Magic = the Art and Science of causing change to occur in conformity with Will. 

Where have you set about to change a behaviour or mindset? Or built a business? Or stopped a childhood pattern that no longer served you? Where have you created magic?

This week I accepted that I am a magician AND so are you!

Arnie

Just over a month ago I said goodbye to the best brindle Bull Mastiff in the world - my world - Arnie. 

I laid you to rest in huge hole but the emptiness on our plot is eerie in your absence and the void in my heart is unfathomable.

Despite my grief I rejoice in our memories. Pictures of an 11 week old puppy sitting in a cardboard box which you would later rip to shreds. Throughout your life you took pleasure in tearing apart boxes. What a glorious game! 

Our first Christmas together where you chewed on beer bottles and falling asleep that evening with a soft toy in your mouth. How you nurtured those toys - being comforted by sucking them to sleep at night - even more so when I had been away from home for a few days.

I recall teaching you to swim. You did it to please me and only later did I discover you disliked water splashing on your face. I was so proud when you completed your first water retrieve! A Bull Mastiff fetching an item out of a pond. What a boy!

What about your first Birthday that we celebrated at training with cupcakes and milkshakes for the humans and snack packs for the canine companions? We had a party again when you turned three. The doggie snack packs stayed the same but ours progressed to Savannas and savouries. After all, Arnie was 21! 

I was horrified the first time you charged down the driveway, hair erect, to intimidate the workers. I have no idea how they stood their ground and did not turn tail and run? I was often on the receiving end of such a burst of energy and intent. It took all my willpower to stand still knowing that you would shimmy at the last minute! BUT which way?

I was filled with pride when you learnt your recall. Walks became easier and we moved through our days with a little less trepidation knowing we could call you to heel. Well, only a little less trepidation... You frightened many people because of your sheer size. You realised you could elicit a reaction and you loved to play the 'scaring' game. Despite this scary side you were gentle. Our cats were drawn to you and you seemed to know who was part of our family and which cats were intruders - chasing away those that had not won your approval.

You were a model dog for the hydro. I have lost count of the number of times you made appearances in videos, to demonstrate an exercise or movement. We had loads of fun making those videos.

   

                         




For almost nine years you have been the most incredible companion. In the end you taught me two very important things:
1. Like you namesake when he starred in The Terminator, I learnt to give the world (and sometimes people) the finger. In my mind I simply said, "#@%$ you asshole!" It was liberating.
2. During our last communication and for which I am truly grateful, you said, "Time is elusive, We have it, then we don't. Our physicality is elusive. We have it, then we don't. Our moments together are elusive. We have them, then we don't. But our love and bond are never elusive. Always present. Always there. It is always about love." 

RIP Arnie. The best brindle Bull Mastiff in the world.

Growth and Change

I am surprised to see that my last post was more than a year ago! I promise not to bore you with all that has happened during that time! Suffice it to say that much has occurred which brings me to the title of this post.

Many people have come and gone from my life - in all spheres. Each time this necessitates change. For many change is scary and an enormous challenge. It is no different for me but I have come to welcome change because of the personal growth it brings. Sometimes I do hang my head in despair, move into victim mode, and randomly lament to the Universe, "Why me?" 

The answer to that question has motivated me to revisit writing. Putting pen to paper has always been a form of release for me. The process of writing allows me to arrange my thoughts and often receive answers and inspiration. Sometimes when I reread a piece in my journal I marvel at the fact that I produced it. I am encouraged to share my discoveries, tribulations, lessons and growth as part of answering the question, "Why me?" 

This blog has always been more about my ideas as opposed to a scientific discussion. So, I invite you to journey with me as I try to figure out what life is about. Share with me my troubles and my joys. Converse with me about what you have mastered and what remains a difficulty. 

Let's have some fun. Let's create magic!