Lessons of Love
What We Can Learn From Our Canine Friends
A shroud of darkness descends, and the quiet hum of the night begins its melancholic symphony. The day's bustle subsides into a memory, retreating like an old friend after a long visit.
The house, once resounding with laughter and banter, falls into a serene silence, leaving only the rhythmic ticking of the clock and the hushed whispers of the wind.
It's during these moments, cradled in the tranquility of the night; I find myself reflecting on an unexpected teacher who taught me to love, to be kind, and to remain loyal - my old dog, Spike.
Now Spike was not merely a dog. He embodied soulful simplicity, a beacon of love in its purest form, undiluted by human follies.
A child of the universe, just as we are. His eyes shimmered with an understanding deeper than what you'd credit an animal. His soul was a canvas of honesty and innocence, each stroke revealing lessons life sometimes forgets to teach us.
Spike loved, oh how he loved! His love was like the first sunbeam that breaks through the night, gentle yet intense, promising yet unassuming. When the world made you feel like a tiny boat caught in a tempest, he was the lighthouse guiding you back to the shore.
A wag of his tail, the soft nuzzle of his nose, his smile, yes, he actually smiled, the warmth of his body pressed against yours, was enough to remind you love need not be grand gestures or eloquent words, but simple acts of caring.
He loved without condition, without restraint, and without the expectation of reciprocation. Spike didn't love because he wanted to be loved back. He loved because he knew nothing else but to love.
Can we, the so-called superior beings, claim to love in the same way? Can we love someone with the same fervor, despite their social standing, past, and appearance? Do we not often find our love restrained by prejudices, marred by ego, or overshadowed by fear? I wonder, if we could learn to love like Spike, would we not transform this world into a haven of joy?
His delight was a reminder to be grateful for and present in each ordinary moment rather than pining for some future satisfaction. Life's sweetest pleasures are available to us in the simple miracle of another sunrise, a friend's smile, the warmth of a cup of coffee.
Now, kindness was a language Spike was born speaking. It wasn't something he learned; it was something he was. I remember him sharing his space with the stray cat, the tenderness he would approach a scared child, the patience he showed to the aging neighbor.
He would wag his tail, soften his eyes, and approach them with a gentleness that seemed to say, "It's okay. I'm here for you." Spike's kindness was a silent melody, a balm to the troubled heart, a light in the gloomiest corners.
In a world that often encourages us to put our needs before others, Spike reminded me kindness is a strength, not a weakness. It's a beacon in the darkest storms, a bridge over the widest chasms.
Kindness isn't about grandiose acts but simple, everyday gestures. It's about empathy, understanding, and patience. It's about putting another's comfort before your convenience; another's needs before your wants.
And loyalty, if only we humans could be as loyal as our canine companions. Spike's loyalty was as unshakeable as a mountain, as constant as the northern star. Whether the day was bright or the night was dark, whether my pockets were full or empty, whether I laughed or cried, Spike was there. His loyalty didn't hinge on convenience or change with circumstances. He was loyal because his heart knew no other way.
Loyalty, in human terms, is often selective, conditional. We commit as long as it suits us. We stay loyal if it's beneficial. But true loyalty, as I learned from Spike, imposes no conditions, understands no boundaries. It is a commitment made by the heart and kept by the soul.
Spike, the old dog, with his love, kindness, and loyalty, was a reminder of life's profound yet simple truths. He was a teacher, nudging me to unlearn the complexity we humans often entangle ourselves in. He taught me to love without conditions, to be kind without expecting a reward, and to remain loyal despite the trials.
Dogs approach life with a sense of play, finding delight in simple moments. They invite us to play along, tugging our socks or tossing a ball, enticing us out of our worries and woes. We rediscover our childlike spirit of joy, wonder, and laughter when we join in their play. Our furry playmates teach us not to take ourselves too seriously and to find opportunities for play.
Dogs live in the present moment, finding meaning in the current day. They do not dwell on past regrets or worry excessively about the uncertain future. Whether fetching a ball or sitting by our side, each moment seems equally joyful and important to them.
Their mindfulness helps us to slow down, let go of anxieties, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Our time with them is a gift to be treasured, reminding us to be fully present in each instant.
Our canine friends have a wisdom beyond words, a wisdom of the heart, from which we would do well to learn. The loving lessons of dogs can guide us to our best selves.
As I sit here in the silence of the night, the clock ticking away; the wind whispering tales; I hope we humans can learn from our canine companions. I hope we can embrace love without condition, kindness without reward, and loyalty without compromise. For then, we wouldn't just be humans living in a world; we would be a part of a world living humanely.
We can learn endless lessons from dogs if we listen with an open heart. Our faithful canine companions have much wisdom to impart on living lives filled with love, meaning, and purpose. They teach us with patience and enthusiasm if only we follow their lead.
My time with Spike (he was 15 when he died in 2014) was a blessing, and I continue to learn from him each day the secrets of a life well and joyfully lived.