ZiggyDog
As many of my clients know, our family adopted a dog in August 2008. He was four and came from a loving family. We were given the list of his “issues” and thought, sure, EVERY dog has issues. So, we took home “Shanti” and renamed him “ZigZag”, or Ziggy, for short. To us, he was the antithesis of “Shanti,” a Sanskrit word for calm, enlightened, innerpeace. Oh, and he Zigged when we wanted him to Zag.
He’s supposed to follow. He’s not supposed to think for himself. He doesn’t need to make decisions. That’s what the Olympic Athletes of Dog Training on TV say. And I KNOW that in my head and my heart.
But I watch him and reflect on my own life. I’ve never been a good follower. I get bored easily but I also don’t like to make decisions. I need to DO things and figure it out for myself. Sometimes I even like to try new things just for the experience of being lost (*twitch* admitting control…issues…*twitch*). I don’t work well FOR others, no matter how much they ROCK. I just seem to always ask questions like…what would happen if we try it this way? could it be more efficient (or fun, or safe, or fast) if we do it that way?
And now, I see my Dog doing the same thing. I know, I know…he’s a DOG. Don’t let him think. But when he won’t heel, won’t come when he’s called, displays anxious-aggressive-dominant-fearful-whacked mix of behaviors, I just sort of smile and nod with an “I know, I get it. That bush DOES seem like it could hold the secret to life, if only we could sniff it one more time” and “walking behind my leg IS boring. Who would want to follow?”
Every day, when I look in the mirror, I see “Dog”. The universe has presented us, meaning me, with ME, as Dog. There is no coincidence in that. Thank you, Universe. Thank you, God!
I just can’t help but wonder, if I come back next life as a dog, could I be named Shanti? Would I be as difficult as Ziggy? Probably. Probably.
