Hi,
My name is Greg McBride and I teach meditation here on Insight Timer,
As well as write books,
Movies,
TV,
And try and share the advice that I've learned over the years that has helped me in times of need.
So I'm happy to share that advice with you.
And in this moment,
I wanted to talk about complaining,
Because life really can be about joy,
No matter what we might be facing.
So that's why I suggest next time you feel like complaining,
To think like a dog.
And let me explain.
Many of us have already realized that our pets can often be our best mentors when it comes to living with more presence in every moment,
Not to mention being our authentic selves and loving unconditionally.
But there are times that maybe we could remind ourselves to do a little less complaining and live with a little more gratitude.
And that's when we can look to dogs for another helpful reminder.
Like many of you listening,
I often find myself getting caught up in the angst of the everyday.
So many things demand our attention,
Our phones,
Computers,
TVs,
Even friends and family.
Add a would-be disaster or two to the mix,
Whether happening to us directly or something we've become enraged about after reading or watching the news,
And we have all the potential to become undone.
And this is to say nothing of financial,
Physical,
Or medical ailments that can suddenly remind us of how fragile our world and even our lives are.
We see examples of victimhood all the time on social media.
Friends who lament about everything they're going through on Facebook,
For example.
The news.
Politicians who gripe about witch hunts when they've clearly brought on much of the hullabaloo surrounding them,
Themselves.
And also,
In the mirror.
That's right.
Even you and I have the potential to catch ourselves living life with a glass half-empty mentality,
Quick to list our complaints to anyone who asks rather than tell people what's good in our lives.
And yes,
No matter what we might be going through,
There are always positive things that can be acknowledged.
At moments like these,
When victimhood might start taking control of us,
When catching ourselves complaining and listing why we're more than miserable as if we're in a contest to win most trouble of the month,
I suggest thinking of a three-legged dog who,
For one reason or another,
Has had one of his or her legs amputated.
As someone who volunteers his time with animal rescue groups,
This is something I see fairly regularly,
With both dogs and cats.
And for anyone listening to this who has a dog,
You've likely seen a three-legged dog if you've taken your pooch to a dog park in recent years.
For example,
Think about that three-legged dog you might have seen.
I bet he or she was playing,
Chasing,
Digging,
Provoking,
Cuddling,
Drinking water,
Maybe watching cars drive by.
In other words,
Doing just about everything except bemoaning not having as many limbs as other dogs in the park.
Think about it.
A three-legged dog never approaches its owners with a victim mentality.
Even without the gift of speech,
These dogs with amputated limbs communicate joy,
Happy as can be,
Never limited by whatever circumstances they've encountered up till then.
The same is true with cats and kittens who might not have use of their hind legs and have to drag themselves to move or play,
And then have to rely on kind humans to express them several times a day since they can't go to the bathroom on their own.
And yet I've seen these dogs in the past,
And I'm sure you've seen them in the past,
And yet I've seen these beautiful creatures playing with toys,
Accepting belly rubs,
And purring non-stop.
No complaints,
No constant listing of the trials they've lived through.
I challenge anyone who's met a three-legged dog or pet to think of an exception.
These are happy animals who are dedicated to living their lives to the fullest.
No need to announce they're different,
Or that they've lived through trauma before this moment.
So why do we,
As humans,
Feel the need to post,
Announce,
Or discuss whatever challenges we might be going through with anyone who asks how we're doing?
Of course we can discuss important issues with close friends or a therapist when it has the potential to lead to problem solving,
Acceptance,
And inner growth.
But otherwise,
We're just trumpeting our losses to anyone who will listen,
Spreading more fear,
Anxiety,
And even regret into the world.
Life really can be about joy,
No matter what we might be facing or going through.
Following the lead of a three-legged dog doesn't mean we are going to ignore our circumstances.
Just that we're choosing to live our best lives no matter what else is going on.
Imagine the example we'd be setting for others,
Whether family members,
Children,
Work associates,
Friends,
Or even strangers.
Suddenly we could be a three-legged dog in human form,
With or without all our limbs.
Accepting,
Happy,
Joyful,
Present.
And for this,
We would definitely deserve a treat.
I really appreciate you listening to this perspective.
If you're going through something right now,
Please comment about it.
And please know,
I'm sending everyone listening such positive energy.
Let's continue to find and shine the light together.
Again,
This is Greg McBride.
Thank you for listening.
