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BY JENNIFER SIVLERMAN
I’ve had the privilege of encountering quite a few eccentric characters over the years.
The unusual has always intrigued me and quirky folks seem to emit some sort of sparky, shiny energy that beckons me to them.
Many years ago, I stumbled upon such an individual - a woman I'll call Endora. (I love a classic TV reference.)
We enjoyed a fascinating conversation about reincarnation, of which she considered herself an expert.
Although she shared a number of riveting observations, I was most intrigued by an unexpected assertion she made about animal reincarnation.
Based on her research, Endora believed that although humans reincarnate repeatedly to learn, grow, and evolve, dogs and all animals (including our beloved pets) only live once.
Endora concluded that unlike humans, animals do not need to reincarnate because they enter life already perfect. She maintained that animals live their lives (often to teach us), and then happily wait for us on The Other Side, eagerly anticipating a reunion.
Initially, the notion of finality in our precious pets' passings is justifiably a heartbreaking downer.
(How many of us grieve a cherished animal family member and find ourselves daydreaming that they will somehow reappear in our lives in another form - guardian angel, new pet, baby, friend, taxi driver? Trust me - it's a thing.)
Upon reflection though, the belief that pets only live once is actually quite comforting.
Afterall, isn't the prospect that they lived a full, wonderful life and that we will one day be reunited with them, what all of us wish for?
When I later recounted the conversation to a friend, she was incredulous. In her view, there was nothing about animals that spelled perfection, which pretty much negated the whole animals do not reincarnate theory in her book.
She remarked that her dog rolled around in the mud, ate off the floor, had a penchant for chowing down on handbags, and barked with abandon whenever his heart desired – typically at most inconvenient times.
This, however, was not the type of perfection to which Endora was referring. Her contention was that animals have already mastered life's biggest challenges - the hard stuff that humans spend lifetimes chasing, like joy, love, and forgiveness.
Whether you believe in the possibility of living multiple lives or are a reincarnation skeptic, it’s certainly a fascinating subject to ponder. Either way, I have a hunch we can all agree that animals are teachers with oodles of wisdom to share.
Furthermore, emulating the animal kingdom could quite possibly lead to more fulfillment for us humans. (I don't know about you, but often times it’s the potential revelations right under my nose that I frequently overlook.)
In the spirit of truly taking in notions we may already believe but don’t always put into practice, here are a few life lessons we can learn from our animal and pooch professors:
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE POOCH POPULATION:
LIVE IN THE PRESENT.
Most dogs hate to be rushed on walks. They want to explore, sniff, chase squirrels, and admire the ducks wading in the pond. Who knows how much we miss rushing through life and not being present in the moment – certainly the scent of one too many roses.
SHOW UP FOR LOVED ONES.
Our pups take their guard dog duties very seriously. Animals bring comfort, companionship, and consolation when we need it most. We can never have too many souls in our lives who lovingly watch out for us and for whom we'd gladly do the same in return.
STAND YOUR GROUND.
My canine companion, Petunia doesn’t seem to care (or maybe know) that she is a petite pooch. If she encounters a Rottweiler with an attitude, she's not intimidated. She tackles the encounter with confidence. What if people could be that empowered when standing up for themselves?
RELISH THE LITTLE THINGS.
There is nothing like witnessing our animals in a state of pure joy. The feeling is absolutely contagious. Just imagine how much more blissful we could be if we appreciated daily life as much as our animals revel in a game of fetch? Let's rediscover fun.
FORGIVE.
Pets are always willing to accept an apology when we snap at them or interrupt their slumber – no friendship breaks required. Forgiveness is perhaps life’s greatest assignment. Keeping things in perspective a la pups could enable us to see the big picture a lot sooner.
Maybe our pets are not quite “perfect,” but it seems to me, they’re pretty darn close.
*Cover photo by darkntwistyphotography!*
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