This is From The Balance Beam

[TheBalanceBeam] - Everything I Need to Know I Learned From My Golden Retriever

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THE BALANCE BEAM
Ideas and Inspiration for Creating a Life that Works
Vol. 2 No. 13, June 23, 2000
Published by Success Builders, Inc.
http://www.SuccessBuildersInc.com
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"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."
Lao-tzu
In this issue: EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM MY GOLDEN RETRIEVER
====================================================================== Dear Friends:
When I think of who in my life provides the best lessons about balanced living, my dog shows up at the head of the list! If you have a pet, you know what I mean. In this issue of The Balance Beam, I offer some of the wisdom I am continually learning from my gentle friend.

If you want to check out earlier editions of The Balance Beam that you may have missed, you can easily retrieve them by clicking on http://www.successbuildersinc.com/newsletter.html and going to the Archives section. If you are not yet a regular subscriber to The Balance Beam, you can also enter your subscription information at this location.
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Today's Topic: EVERTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM MY GOLDEN RETRIEVER

For the past eleven years, my family and I have had the privilege of sharing our home with a kind and gifted teacher. When Bentley, our Golden Retriever, adopted us as his new family, he was a six-week old blonde fur ball that would fit in the palm of your hand. In those early days, he delighted at digging holes in the backyard, and burrowing under the fence and nipping at fingers in the hopes of finding someone to play tug-of-war with him. As a puppy, he was tireless, and his rambunctious nature was limited only by his desire to learn what he needed to know to fit in as a responsible member of the family.

When I look at Bentley now, I still see that little puppy spark in his eyes, even though it hides under a stately white beard. His gait is slower and his hips are a bit arthritic, but his enthusiasm for life is as strong as it's ever been. And although I know he's a dog, he is also a wise old soul who has taught us many things over the years. These are some of the lessons we've learned:

*Love unconditionally. All of us have bad days. We all have "issues" that arise in our relationships. Be willing to put these aside and acknowledge the love you have for those who are important to you, regardless of what is going on. Separate the issues from the people you love. And run to meet them when they walk in the door.

*Greet each day with a happy heart. As corny as it is, the old saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," is sage advice. Wag your tail and smile in the morning, and the day is much more likely to go the way you want it to.

*Live in the moment. Dogs have no concept of yesterday or tomorrow, so they don't obsess over what's already happened or what could be around the corner. Practice spontaneity and living in the present.

*Honor your own needs. Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired, run when you need exercise, stretch when you're stiff. Be willing to deviate from "prescribed" schedules to nourish yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually.

*Protect your boundaries. Let others know when they've invaded your territory, and don't allow mean people onto your front porch. Make specific requests that will preserve your space and maintain your serenity. Be willing to draw the line and say "no" when you need to.

*Delight in simple pleasures. For Bentley, pure joy is as basic as a long walk in the park or a joy ride on Sunday afternoon. So roll down the window and let your ears flap in the breeze. Find pleasure in the little things. Contentment doesn't have to be expensive.

*Express your gratitude. Say, "Thank you" when your food bowl appears, and acknowledge the abundance in your life.

*Be inquisitive. Sniff around to see what's new in your world. You never know what kind of treasure lies buried under the pile of leaves that seems overwhelming. Stay with the search and dig for what you want.

*Practice forgiveness. Know that if someone steps on your paws, they probably didn't mean it. Give people room for mistakes, and don't take things so personally.

*Guard the pack. Devote your energy, love and attention to nurturing and supporting your family, friends and community.

German animal behavior specialist Konrad Lorenz once said, "My goal in life is to be half the man my dog thinks I am." Perhaps we should try to be half the gentle spirits our dogs truly are.
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Words to live by:
"Happiness is a warm puppy."
--Charles Schulz

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as much as the dog does."
--Christopher Morley