Meditation, the dog and the dentist
I decided to do my meditation on my way to the dentist this morning. Parked the car, found a bench in the park across the road and took a few long breaths. When I started to feel my breath very close to me as if it had all kinds of secrets to whisper, I thought it might be an easy drop in.
Once I stopped thinking, I became aware of more breathing; not my breathing, but heavy breathing, heavy doggy wet tongue breathing...close to me somewhere. I kept my eyes closed hoping the dog was not going to mistake me for a lamp post but after a minute or two, took a peek to see the cutest puppy with gazing up at me, tongue hanging out, tail wagging just the way you would expect a puppy to be when he's playing an imaginary game with a meditating woman in the park. Just in front of him was a tennis ball. I decided that he thought I was playing hide and seek with him because I was unusually still. I could hear his owner calling him as she got further and further away so I closed my eyes again thinking he would leave if I didn't play - down dog! But he didn't go away, he came closer, breathing and starting to squeal with excitement, rolling the ball closer and closer until I felt the sensation of soggy tennis ball against my foot. In the end, I just couldn't resist him and made the choice to play with the puppy - we had such fun and I was reminded of great times with my own dog Bella who loved to play soggy ball, chase the motorbike, and follow squirrel up the tree until she fell off. I went off to the dentist surgery, washed my hands thoroughly as well as my teeth to be told that I had missed my appointment and had to re-book for next week.
Sometimes, plans change! Change is the only constant, thanks puppy for the reminding me that I could stop my day and play instead of meditating on my Self and having needles stuck in my gums. Note to self - set the timer so I don't piss off the dentist next time. Namaste!