Sunday, August 19, 2007

My Dog My Teacher


For that matter, all animals and living beings can be our teachers. What is needed is the humility of a learner. A learner is an earner. All that we learn is evidenced in our attitude which in turn shows up in our personal and professional life. Having an attitude of a learner has contributed greatly to my success. One of the most profound learnings that soared me to success came from my dog.
I have observed that my dog has welcomed me with the same unfailing enthusiasm and excitement for the past 9 years, unfailingly and uncompromisingly. She is always happy to see me, even if I am out for 10 minutes. Now some of us have no reaction when our loved ones come home, others are even worse, they read out their list of complaints on the first sight of a new entrant at home. Imagine how it would be, if tonight you gave a warm welcome to everyone who returned home, Betty Style. Betty is my dog by the way. Imagine when your loved one enters the house, whether it is your son, wife, husband, you actually get up from your chair, walk enthusiastically to him or her and giving a warm hug say, “I’m so happy to see you.” Just this one attitude can go such a long way in personal success.
Another lesson my dog taught me is that when she needs to be loved, she comes and loves. No one can ignore a dog that wants to be petted. She has the knack of lovingly coming and sitting at my feet and rolling over. As if by default, my hand stretches out and strokes her. The lesson is simple, when you need to be loved, go over and love. Its so easy, walk over and give your spouse a hug or a back rub, give your son or daughter a kiss and a pat and watch the love return by default. I have never noticed a dog lying on its back in another room waiting for someone to come and notice and give it a belly rub. I have noted this trait in humans though.
My dog has taught me spiritual lessons such as not making an illness an emotional issue. When my dog is ill, she is quieter and allows the healing. And humans create the greatest rucass and emotional turmoil over an illness. I have found my headaches disappear faster when I was quieter and emotionally neutral. So many lessons and one great teacher – MY Kuttuswamy.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, that is such a great attitude to have, to learn not only from humans but also from animals.
i should be more observant and be a learner at each and every second in life, thank u so much for the beautiful blog :0)

Unknown said...

There is infinite learning that we can derive from our environment..its only about looking at everything with the right perspective!

amrita somaya said...

Hi Priya,

Beautiful Blog!!!

One point that struck me most is the point on "Enthusiasm". If only I were to implement this one thing, it would make a huge difference in every action of mine, be it professional or personal.

Thanks for the Blog!!!

Nupur said...

I think i learn that being more observant about our environment and keeping an attitude of learning is very essential. Thanks for the insightful blog.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I will remember this & apply it in my life as i am also one of those who dont react much or who is not very enthu about most of the things. So good learning for me. Thanks a lot :o)

Unknown said...

it is very true that you learn more and earn more
thank you

Anuj :) said...

WOW!! this was the best read ever!! I loved it. Thank you for the beautiful insight. The title I would keep is, 'You and your dog - my teacher!!' :) Thanks :)

Unknown said...

Hie Priya,
Learning doesn't stops , be it professional or personal.One has to be a good observer for such learning which you are, just wat i mesaged you that day of you being my teacher.Thanx a lot

Take care
Manoj

Unknown said...

Hie Priya,
Learning doesn't stops , be it professional or personal.One has to be a good observer for such learning which you are, just wat i mesaged you that day of you being my teacher.Thanx a lot

Take care
Manoj

s.uma said...

How cute? one cannot say for sure, from where v all learn our lessons from,i admire u with all my heart... u make me change my perspective of life.even i come across dogs almost daily, but the way u look at things.. awesome!u are an eyeopener priya.