For the Love of a Dog or Other Lessons

As spirits being human, we strive to understand the physical world and acquire new knowledge.  Generation after generation builds on said knowledge so that, as a total population, we cannot help to evolve.  Humanity is in a constant state of achievement driven by an ultimate desire to understand the minutest detail.  In working to understand, we also have opportunities to practice compassion, patience, and empathy all through achievement.

Many times, there are quite a few possible answers without any type of science or fact to support the assertion to the satisfaction of even the worst critic.  The information acquisition process takes many forms and depends on the individual – and how we respond to the stimulus of our own thought.  We can even choose not to respond and immerse ourselves in the daily business of living through the mundane which I describe as just existing: wake up, work, eat, sleep, procreate, repeat.  (The description of what is considered “mundane” is to each his or her own, isn’t it?  There is even a Reddit discussion regarding life being boring.  I think at one time I could’ve written this question, too. )  However, there is also a stimulus or creative ‘spark’ drives humans to perform feats that were unknown a time ago but would now look like magic to the previous generations.  It can be a quiet notion of taking a day off from the regular – like I’m doing today – or could be a huge wake-up call having more serious consequences.

This is a huge topic that one can dissect over a lifetime and through the eyes of so many that the variations are infinite.  My one single blog post cannot and will not do the subject one iota of justice.  However, I’m still going to tackle this with a little sliver of my insight because no one else can share my viewpoint because they haven’t lived my experiences.  (My next blog topic, but I digress.)

I always wondered how a famous person long deceased would view our current culture and institutions? Would George Washington run for the hills, screaming in fear at the automobile? Would Marilyn Monroe like or dislike her public persona? How might slugger Babe Ruth hit against a baseball pitcher such as Mike Mussina or Mariano Rivera? Do you ever wonder what your dog or cat think? Sometimes, I think I can see the thoughts in Toby’s eyes.  As a dalmatian with expressive brown eyes, these are truly a window to his soul.  But, are they really?  Or, is it my perception of his feelings? And, if he cannot verbally express his feelings with any concrete and tactile language, is he expressing feelings or are these my own feelings being projected into him for my further distillation? I think it is a bit of both: my own projection and my familiarity with him in certain situations.

Take, for example, the C.A.R. (Shhh, it must be spelled.)

In our house, we spell that word because, if we utter the word “car”, Toby understands and bounces and bounds through the house waiting for his collar to be adjusted and harness snapped into place.  (Nearing eleven years of age, he still shoots into the air.  The landings, however, can be detrimental.)  If we are discussing fixing the “car”, this will also set Toby off in the same way.  We have also found that words which sound like “car” could be misinterpreted by him depending on the emphasis.  In other words (pun intended), it is his interpretation of the meaning which results in his action.  The same would be true for humans as well: my interpretation of the meaning results in my action – or lack of action.  One should, then, ensure that their interpretation is as intended before commencing said action, right?

What happens when one party can only express their intention through big, brown eyes, a mischievous look, and a goofy grin?  In one word: Misunderstanding.  As humans, we have labeled so much in our lives that we take cues from these familiar items or situations.  What is dangerous is that, when we take our cues only from what is familiar, we can inadvertently omit new information which can provide us with greater understanding.  I believe that life is designed for each of us to acquire knowledge on a physical plane.  A single missed cue can redirect you in such a way where the road to knowledge is paved with misunderstanding, false starts, emotional upheavals, and just bad juju.  Think about it this way: If our life’s purpose is to acquire knowledge while helping others in their own journeys, understanding should be our paramount guiding premise, right?  Truly, this is at the heart of being human, and understanding must be done with the heart.  If you listen with compassion, patience, empathy, and to better understand through your heart, one may also recognize their true heart and, thus, humanity.