"River" -- Two Years Old -- Cunningham's Golden Retriever Dogs Live For the Present
April 30, 2011
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: I was going to write the same column as the one that follows.
Before I started, I GOOGLED.
And I found Dave Ursillo's column. And decided to just give Dave Ursillo my spot this week.)
Here's Dave's Column.
Have you ever asked yourself, "why do dogs stick their heads out of moving cars' windows?
Perhaps the answer is, in itself, another question: Have you ever tried it?
Whether you have (to the terror of your overly-cautious mother who was driving) or haven't (because of the slew of possible freak accidents that could arise during such a daring feat) embraced your "inner dog," simply imagine the rush, the exhilaration, and the unique sensation that such an ordinary, carefree and juvenile maneuver can create.
Dogs stick their heads out moving cars' windows because its fun. They do it because they can.
All Dogs are Buddhists
Contrary to the notion that dogs are emotionally simplistic, closely examining the ordinary behavior of dogs can reveal to us humans that they are unique creatures whose behavior might even be worthy of our own emulation (check the butt-sniffing and fire-hydrant jokes at the door). In fact, all dogs are Buddhists. Dogs live exclusively in the moment. Dogs know not of history or the past (though they do have a limited memory), and don't ponder the future (wondering how adversely another dog bone might affect their waste-lines). Dogs simply embrace the present moment for all that it is and, instinctively, yearn to maximize the experience that is life, every chance they have.
When watching dogs at play or driving past a car with a brilliantly happy-looking dog with its head out the window, tongue flopping in the wind, I'm reminded of one of Buddha's ancient teachings that emphasizes the importance of fully living in the present:
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future. Concentrate the mind on the present moment."
Truly, to interpret this ancient lesson at its most literal meaning would be for we humans - complex, highly emotional and sometimes intelligent creatures - to resort to our most primal and beastly nature, one that neglects history, disregards both our individual and collective futures and lives only to fulfill only our most basic of urges and desires. Essentially, to interpret Buddha's saying in this way would be to say that humans should act like dogs. But that interpretation would be a very misguided one.
But, We're Not Animals?
Truly, one cannot overstate the importance of learning from the past and anticipating a future so that we may create a better reality when it inevitably arrives. While it may initially seem as if the ancient teacher was advocating that humans neglect the importance of history and the natural anticipation a certain tomorrow, the teaching's seemingly radical nature intends to explicitly emphasize the importance of truly living in the present moment.
And while I'm not a practicing Buddhist in any capacity, the teaching is a powerful one to remember, especially during times of great challenge or duress. To focus one's thoughts and concerns upon the present moment is to deny pain of the past, and to push forward in defiance of the uncertainty of the unknown future - of what may come next.
Dogs, in so many ways, can teach their human owners invaluable lessons about life. The next time you see a dog with its head hanging out the window, remind yourself of its Buddhist nature. Live not in fear of the uncertainty of tomorrow, and do not dwell on "could-have-been's" of the past, which only impede opportunities present.
Recall the importance of truly living in the present moment.
Dave Ursillo is a 25-year-old former "politico" turned writer and alternative leadership speaker. He writes to explore life, this world and its people. Dave also speaks to various audiences across the country on how to "lead without followers" in any walk of life, encouraging men and women to reclaim a purer sense of personal leadership in their lives (LeadWithoutFollowers.com).
For More Info: http://www.LeadWithoutFollowers.com/
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O. J. Cunningham |
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