How to Feed The Dog
By Christine Gerzon
We often end our workshops with this story…
One evening while sitting around the fire, a wise Native American grandfather told his grandson about a struggle that goes on inside all people: He said:
"There are two animals inside each of us. One is a ravenous beast who can tear you apart and destroy everything. This beast is fear, anger, worry, denial, jealousy, hatred and selfishness.
The other is a good and faithful dog who wants to guide you and be your lifelong companion. His dog is love, truth, creative power, peace, courage and forgiveness.
The grandson thought for a moment and then asked:
"Which animal wins, Grandfather?"
His grandfather simply replied:
"The one you feed."
Which animal do you feed? Of course, I intend to feed the dog but too often I end up feeding the beast with my mental energy. Feeding the dog means staying aware and focusing on the presence of love and truth in my life at every moment.
I find that paying attention to my thoughts when I wake up every morning is the key to remembering to feed the dog. Whose voice am I going to listen to- a loving voice or a fearful voice?
I often hear a voice telling me, "You so much to do today. You better start tackling that to do list right now. You're already behind schedule and you'll never get everything done."
That's the voice of the beast. How do I know? Because it makes me feel powerless, hopeless and defeated before I even get out of bed. And when I listen to it, I am tired, irritable and hassled all day long. When evening comes, I have really had it with this voice and I am really ready to veg out on the couch with the remote in my hand. I can finally relax and forget about that long list. That is, until tomorrow morning when the beast is there again.
When I remember to feed the dog upon awakening, I hear a voice saying to me, Who do you want to be today? This voice reminds me that I am a human being not a human doing and that I have the power to create my day.
How do I want to express myself in the world today? When I think about this question, I remember my values of love and kindness. No matter what I have to do today, I can respond with loving kindness. It took me many years to recognize that the most important person for me to be kind and loving to was myself! I do not need to be a slave driver to myself when I wake up. Instead I listen to my True Voice who helps me to learn and grow.
When I remember to feed the dog, I greet the day with my True Voice, Whatever I need to do, I do with more grace and awareness. At the end of the day, I am happier and more relaxed. I am satisfied with the day's work. I feel grateful for my life and look forward to tomorrow.
If you feed your dog the first thing when you wake up, you'll have a good companion by your side for the rest of your day.
Find out more about Robert Gerzon’s highly acclaimed book Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety.
Find out more about Robert Gerzon’s Counseling and Coaching Services.
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