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Lessons on Enlightenmentby Gorda, Dog & Toltec Master
I like to think that I’m a budding Master. Then I inherited my dog Gorda. She lives in a state of enlightenment, full of love, gratitude, happiness and acceptance. She effortlessly teaches her way of life to others. Even though I’ve been walking this Toltec path longer than she’s been alive, she’s the one who’s been officially recognized as a Toltec Master (and I noticed that it did not affect her ego one bit). Let me share with you what she’s been teaching me. When I walk in the house, Gorda is so happy to see me. Her tail wags, she spins around. I may want to get right to work, but she reminds me that a little affection is in order. She’s content to receive as many pets as I want to give. In fact, the more the better. One time I came home quite a few hours after her feeding time. Did she reprimand me? Sulk? Get angry with me? Nope. Tail wagging (maybe even a bit more vigorously than usual), she gratefully licked my hand. I sometimes wonder how different my relationship with my human beloved would be if we greeted each other Gorda-style every time we walked through the door. Greeted each other with unconditional love and extreme excitement - even on days when he forgot to do the dishes or when I was crabby in the morning. So I tried it. My husband came home one day. I cried out my favorite nickname for him and ran into his arms, kissing him and wagging my tail. Let me just say there were favorable results. Gorda is a true master in taking care of her animal body. I’ve learned a few things from her on this topic as well. When I’m tired, I usually eat some sugar or push my human body a little harder. When I have a lot of energy, my mind spins in circles. When she’s tired, she takes a nap in the sun. If she has a lot of energy, she runs around the yard. Just by watching her accept her natural rhythms, she’s given me permission to change the way I treat myself. When I slip back into old habits, Gorda takes it upon herself to remind me of a better way of living. A typical daily lesson: My human body, stuck in front of a computer, begs for a short break. I think – just a few more minutes, let’s get this one little thing done. An hour later, Gorda strategically stands in front of my window and stares at me for several minutes. “Alright!” I say and happily oblige her with a belly rub. My human smiles and thanks her for getting me away from the same old computer-induced position. Luckily I’m trainable and with Gorda’s patient guidance, I now ignore my body’s pleas less. Gorda also believes in the importance of enjoying nature on a daily basis. She doesn’t talk much about her beliefs, but she demonstrates them with action. When Gorda first came to live with us, I thought I was such a great owner. I dutifully took her for walks at a lake near my house. She let me live in this state of denial of what was really going on for several weeks. Then one day while savoring the beautiful crisp air, the sight of swans swimming round, and laughing at Gorda’s ears flap, flap, flapping up and down, I realized that she had been taking me for walks. I certainly wouldn’t be getting myself out of the office to enjoy the delights of nature everyday if it weren’t for her presence! My human smirks at my so-called state of enlightenment. Gorda is always true to how she feels; yet her emotions can change in a split second. She’ll let go of the situation completely and never revisit it again. Here’s just one example. The only time her previous owners took her in a car was to go to the vet (something she didn’t really enjoy) or to go live at a new home (also not her favorite experience). The first time we tried to load her into our car to go to the lake, she froze and started shaking. Doggie treats could not coax her into the car. “Come on good girl!” wasn’t a success either. Finally, and with some force, we dragged her inside. Once at the lake, she immediately began romping through the brush. Her tail was wagging joyfully again; she had a spring in her step. The next time we opened the car door, she bolted inside. Now she looks for every opportunity for a car ride - in fact she shakes in excitement. She’s also engaged me in lessons on acceptance and surrender. Let’s say we’re back at the lake. She’s trotting along and I suddenly decide it’s time to go home. In one small second, I’ve completely changed the course of her life. Does she hesitate? Ponder what’s further down the trail? Nope. She does a u-ee and off she scampers equally content to be heading the other way. How often can I say the same for myself, when life throws me a curve ball? Gorda’s looking in my office window right now. And as you now know, that’s my command to give my human a break and give her some attention. Before I go, here are a few tips for you on your way to enlightenment. I’m sure Gorda won’t mind if I share her proven to be effective techniques.
Gorda’s still staring in the window. So I’ve got to run. Here’s one final word of wisdom for you. When all else fails, sometimes the best choice is to lie down in the sun and take a nap. Gorda is a Toltec Master, living and practicing the Life Mastery principles and don Miguel Ruiz’s teachings on a daily basis. For the first three years of her life, she lived in retreat and studied on don Miguel’s property in the country. She is currently happily sleeping outside of Life Mastery’s offices, dreaming of a walk at the lake. If you’re interested in apprenticing with Gorda, you can contact her through her owner Meghan McChesney Gilroy (if she’s willing to take a break from her computer). Gorda’s email address is gorda@findyourtruelovenow.com. |
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