The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I found this on an AA website, and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to mention other sites here, so I won't. If anyone knows if I'm allowed to, please drop me a line and I'll post the website.
I really found this to be applicable to anyone, whether or not in AA or Alanon.
If a dog was your teacher, you would learn:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps. Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout ... Always run right back and make friends.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by ... ... and nuzzle them gently.
And finally..... Never trust anyone until you sniff them a bit.
Ha ha! Animals have become my teachers too. One thing I haven't tried is sniffing people I don't know. I'd love to hear any ESH from those who have done so with positive results :D .
No wonder I sooooooo loved my Lab, Bailey, Kathi. She knew how to live her life to the fullest. Never truer words were said. Hmmmm, I'm guessing she never had to do homework though, cept probably to eat it.
Thanks for sharing love Maria
__________________
If I am not for me, who will be? If I am only for myself, then who am I? If not now, when?
Thanks for bringing me fond memories of my guy, Frosty (adorable silver schnauzer). I always said he taught me how to love, but now I see I should have learned more how to live. I especially like the one about not pouting. Jill
Here's another one someone sent me that really sums up how brilliant and beautiful children and animals are.
A Dog's Purpose In Life (from a 4-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Dogs' Simple Rules of Life........we should all abide.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you,
Hmmmm, I'm guessing she never had to do homework though, cept probably to eat it.