Motivation Articles
 

Human Empowerment Lessons from the Dog Whisperer
By Susie and Otto Collins

Even if you don't live with a dog, you may be familiar
with the National Geographic Channel's program "Dog
Whisperer" starring Cesar Millan. Each episode features
Cesar working with families, individuals and their dogs.
In virtually every episode the dog whisperer gets troubled
dogs on the road to rehabilitation and people better
trained as owners. Cesar offers a set of core truths
learned by working with dogs and watching and interacting
with dogs just about his whole life.

Believe it or not, we think that the lessons taught by
this dog whisperer can help you live a happier, more
empowered life. Of course, we humans are different than
our canine friends. There can be pack mentalities in our
family, friend and work environments though we don't advise
you to always try to be the pack leader. Much can be
learned when you follow another's leadership as well. At
the same time, who wouldn't want to experience the sheer
joy that is apparent in a dog's "smile" with his or her
tail wagging? Look at a happy dog-whether he or she is
running after a ball, leaping into a pond, or quietly
lounging on the floor. Wouldn't it be great to feel that
contentment and spark for life more of the time?

Be in the moment.
We've all heard this suggestion before but how many of us
really follow it? With the humans he works with, Cesar
Millan often points out how in the moment dogs are. They
don't tend to react from the past unless their humans have
taught them to. According to Millan, it is not a dog's way
to hold a grudge, anticipate a negative event, or live in
the past. That, unfortunately, is a human tendency. And
it's one we can unlearn!

When you find yourself thinking ahead to your to-do list,
last night's argument with your spouse, an upcoming parent-
teacher conference, the end of the month bill paying, or
even a longed for vacation-- STOP! It is such a common
occurrence to spend your present worrying about the future
or rehashing the past. So when do you get to live? Take
time to look around and feel within yourself. What is
going well for you right here and now? It could be
something as "small" as the crystal clear cloudless blue
sky that graces your day. How do you feel at this very
moment? Now is the time for appreciating your life and now
is the moment for celebrating what you have and what you
want.

Let your feelings flow.
As Lily walks her pet dog Goldie, she notices the ease
with which Goldie seems to move through life. Even though
she was scolded for sticking her nose in the trash can,
Goldie doesn't let that ruin her day. In fact, it seems to
Lily that Goldie experienced the momentary "oops, I'm in
trouble" and then moved on. Lily wonders to herself why it
seems so difficult for her to do the same. Sound familiar?

From time to time dogs can also become stuck in
challenging emotions. This is sometimes what brings Cesar
to a family. Whether it's a dog too afraid to walk on
linoleum floors or one who is terrified of loud noises,
Cesar works with the dog to help him or her move through
those fearful feelings. It is a process that takes time,
patience and perseverance, but in the end the dog is
happier and more at ease with life.

We all know that when we're stuck in particular feelings,
it seems like everything else going on in our lives fades
to the background. It might be anger, panic, grief or some
other emotion that became lodged in our consciousness after
a traumatic event or even something more subtle. In the
midst of the stuck feelings, it might even seem like we'll
never be truly happy again. But it doesn't have to be this
way.

No matter what the apparent cause of emotions that appear
to dominate our lives, we can move through those difficult
feelings and let them go. There are many ways to release
when you are stuck. For some people creating a ritual
around letting go is helpful. You might burn old letters in
a fireplace. Others find working with a coach or
participating in a therapy such as breathwork freeing.
Making time for quiet reflection and meditation is almost
always useful. Try to stay focused on your emotions and
not on the events around the emotions. You may realize
that some of the beliefs you have about yourself, your life
and the initial event are a large part of what's keeping
you feeling stuck. Know that at anytime you can change
your beliefs.

Take a good look at the dog in your life or just one
walking down the street. If it's a happy-looking dog, soak
in the example and allow yourself to feel the joy that's
available to you. Now wag your tail and smile!

 

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Susie and Otto Collins are Relationship Coaches and authors of 4 books on relationships and personal growth. To get their FREE weekly newsletter filled with practical tips and ideas for creating more connected, passionate and alive relationships send a blank message to mailto:collins@aweber.com 
or visit their web site at http://www.collinspartners.com 

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