Day 1118

We were enjoying a relaxing moment on the front porch when all four Goldens became suddenly alert. I looked for the usual, “barkable” targets, but no dogs, people or other enticements to a ‘show of protecting the homestead were evident. After a couple of minutes, I heard a faint rumble of thunder off in the distance. When I opened the front door, the entire halo of pups frantically pushed through as a unit! Poor babies…they hate thunder!

Of course, until I personally heard the rumble, I could not understand or be empathetic to their angst. It was when I heard it that I understood and could help them. Unless we can walk in someone’s footsteps (or paw steps) and allow our inner being to be open to another’s experience, we cannot empathize.

Some of my most enlightening and emotional moments have been when I truly let myself experience someone’s journey. By inserting the other person’s fears, concerns or unhappiness into a “What if I had that issue in my life?,” I can almost experience the pain and frustration of someone else to some degree. It is not something I choose to do too often, or for too long, but it actually allows me to respond in the true spirit of the moment.

We have all had life experiences with the entire spectrum of emotions. The next time someone shares their story, try inserting yourself into their predicament…your personal setting, cast and crew are critical! You don’t have to stay on the set for long before your empathy might just make a real impact on a life.

For now, I just have to understand the fear a low rumble of thunder might create in my Goldens. It’s not much of a stretch to empathize with my four. It might just be time to move them towards the TV to watch a bit of their Dog TV…and a treat might be added for extra soothing!