March 2022 – Lessons from Mia the Dog
When we take care of animals, we as humans are somewhat in the role of what many call a ‘Higher Power.’ We are that loving, supportive presence, we meet all their needs, and keep them safe (as much as we can).
As I currently work as a part-time pet sitter, these animals teach me a lot about humans and life itself. Most of the time, this job is super fun, enjoyable, and easy. But as most jobs go, it is not always sunshine and rainbows.
Right now, I am taking care of a dog that has a rather heartbreaking condition. She is an older, bigger dog that had one of her back legs amputated due to cancer. Bless her heart. ♥️
When inside the house, she can scoot and slide around on the hardwood floor, yet sometimes can’t get enough grip. She has a sling around her that has a handle, so when she needs to go to the bathroom, I pick her up and act as her third leg so she can walk.
The first night or day with the animal can be difficult, depending on the animal’s fear levels. We are first getting comfortable with one another & building trust. I start trying to pick up its mannerisms, cues, & be able to intuitively read them.
In Mia’s case, it is difficult because she cannot walk. When it seems like she wants something, she will kind of prop herself up. Then I lift her and say, ‘Okay, you lead.’
Sometimes it seems like she is just spinning herself in circles and I can’t exactly know or guess what she’s wanting. I keep telling her, “I’m here for you Mama, but you gotta show me what you want or need.” She’s getting better at doing this more each day.
When I take care of these animals, I want to be their ultimate supporter – that ever-loving presence that can protect them from harm & bring them peace & joy. In my mind, I feel that is what the Universe or God is for us as humans. Please use whichever word that resonates with you in terms of this higher power.
The Universe is our ultimate supporter.
The Universe is that unconditionally, ever-loving presence in our lives.
The Universe does what is necessary to protect us from harm.
The Universe is always working to lead us to our greatest peace & joy.
Sometimes in the daily details, it may not feel like that because we cannot see the bigger picture. Only Source can see this. Our only job is to get clear and communicate with God about what it is that we want to experience.
And I’m not talking about material possessions. I’m talking about the feelings you want to feel. Attune your thoughts to how you want to feel and what you want to experience. Then let go and trust that God will help guide you into that experience – it just might look different than what you thought it would be.
Imagine that you are this dog. And imagine the Infinite Creator is that force, helping you to go towards whatever you want or need.
Yet, just as I could only support this dog more fully when she helps make it clear what she wants or needs – we must also do that in order to really receive ALL of the support of the Universal forces.
In my favorite book, The Alchemist, it states time and time again:
“When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Even more so when it is not only to the benefit of you, but it helps many others as well. Life supports life.
So how do we make it crystal clear to the Universe what you want or need?
For dogs, there are only so many ways they can show us humans what they want. Yet, luckily for us humans, there are many ways to communicate what we wish to experience with God…
Write it down. It only has to be once, yet repetition is good too. Write it in the present and in detail. Write a story about it.
Speak it out loud. Declare what you are calling into your life in the present tense to the Universe with the spoken word. We cast spells with your speech.
Pray about it. While praying and thinking about what you want, FEEL the feelings of having it NOW. Visualize it.
Do daily ACTIONS that SHOW the Universe that this is truly what you want and you are committed to feeling this NOW. Actions speak louder than words. Make sure your actions are aligned with the words you are speaking out.
Maybe you feel like the dog, where you have just been spinning in circles and not getting anywhere. When she is doing this, I can’t help, but get a little frustrated and want to say…
‘Come on, you have to decide what you want in order for me to help lead you there.’
The metaphor here is that when we do not keep our focus on what we want, emotionally react to what we don’t want, or become confused, unclear, or keep switching our mind – we spin ourselves in circles as well. I can be the master at this at times, as my crazy Gemini mind is so curious and interested in many different things.
Yet, I have felt and seen and know the power of laser focus on ONE THING is what truly allows God to help it race towards you.
WARNING: Be careful what you wish for because sometimes you will get exactly the thing that you thought you wanted, but it is actually not what you truly wanted at all. I speak from experience.
That’s why I say it’s less about the outside details to focus on and more about the internal feelings.
For example, I had a long laundry list of characteristics that I thought I wanted in my dream partner – and the Universe delivered (as it always does). However, through time, I realized that NONE of those things I thought I wanted truly mattered at all.
What truly matters is how that person makes you feel. If the person genuinely brings you joy, makes you smile, makes you laugh, and makes you want to be a better person.
What truly matters is if the person is caring, kind, and makes you feel seen and heard.
What truly matters is if the person can communicate in a non-violent, loving way. If the person is humble, empathetic, thoughtful, non-judgemental, and giving.
If the person can accept your truth, opinions, and beliefs – does not get triggered by them, tell you something is wrong with you for having them, or try to talk you out of them.
It doesn’t really matter if you are both into the exact same activities or have the exact same interests, what matters is if you have the same morals, beliefs, & values.
What truly matters most is that you can both look at each other and be like ‘For some reason that I don’t quite understand, you make my heart sing & am willing to learn from you & grow with you.’
Thank you for witnessing me. 🙏🏼
I also do custom pet portraits by request.
Message me on my IG: @artbysundance or email sundancestudiosart@gmail.com if interested.
