Beyond “Whimp” Cultivating Courage (Part I)
What is Yoga of Dog Walking? In short, if you want to know your yoga practice is working then, walk a dog.
Now, post your answer in the comment field below in one or two sentences. Try not to use too many words – whatever comes to mind. Do it quick!
I am My Best Friend
I go first. I practice yoga to become my best friend. In other words, I need to know myself. In fact, everything I do revolves around gaining an insight into the self. I don’t like being myself. Rather, I’d like to work towards being my best possible self. At the same time, always working on eliminating toxic parts of myself.
I have a four-fold formula to work towards my best possible self:
- Learn who I am with all my strengths and flaws.
- Get feedback.
- Create a plan of action to improve.
- The accountability system (carrot and stick – this is not self-beating!).
For example, let’s say that I am trying to lose weight. Firstly, I know that my tendencies are to use food when I am stressed or bored. I’ve learned that fact by keeping track of my daily log (writing) and meditation practices. So, I incorporated play and changed my perception of stress. Secondly, I use a scale and a measurement tape as a feedback mechanism. Sometimes, I reach out to people I admire and who walked the way. Thirdly, I plan my meals. Next, if I don’t follow through, I stop eating chocolates. On the other hand, I reward myself with a massage, hike, or spa day.
In fact, weight loss and muscle building are quite simple things to achieve.
But what about character-building qualities like courage? Can we change some of the fundamental workings of ourselves?
What Do You Choose: Love or Fear?
I am a realistic optimist. However, I am a fatalist by nature. From time to time, my world is black and white. Life blessed me with many experiences (some of them were near-death) even though I am only 41 years young. I tend to think of myself as one tough and courageous individual with that in mind. However, my life kicks me in my arse time and time again.
And it is great!
For example, my heart yearns for adventures. However, I often freeze with fear. For instance, when I’ve tried flying trapeze, I lost my ability to move and understand language. Next, when I rock-climbed for the first time, I only froze in the middle of the mountain. Finally, I nearly burned my skis after getting splattered amid the mountain.
On the other hand, I am very persistent and can’t accept “no” as an answer. So, I kept rock-climbing until I reached the top of the mountain. Similarly, I practiced trapeze flying until I was not frozen. Also, I got to a good intermediate level in skiing. But, again, I was scared every time I took risks. But, I was able to work through the fear.
There are only two emotions in my world: love and fear.
Why Do You Freeze with Fear?
The good news is that you can rewire your brain if your love is stronger than your fear.
How Dogs Can Train Us.
Not to mention that I’ve spent the last four years changing my behavior and learning the dog language. Rocky and I got very lucky to train with Altitude Dog Training.
Don’t Allow A Single Battle to Throw You Down
It is disappointing to lose a battle. But shit happens. We can lose our business, jobs, loved ones, even our health.
Just like life, the war is not over yet! If your business fails or you loose your job, you can find a new one. You can change your diet and lifestyle to get better or die trying.
I lost my battle as I allowed two neighborhood dogs to attack my dog with that in mind. It is irrelevant what the other pet parent or their dogs were doing. I only have control over my actions and energy.
Stop Being a Sissy
Thanks for reading, please share your story.
3 thoughts on “Yoga of Dog Walking”
I’ve overcome my own fear of running into loose dogs here in our rural NC area by being prepared and carrying tools on me for self-defense purposes, very similar to you. My tools are a loud whistle, vinegar spray, pepper spray, and I now also carry a flashlight/taser combo with me at night time (found on Amazon for 50 bucks).
While having those tools handy and ready to use is one part of my equation for dog walking, the other one is the peace of mind those tools provide and thus make me feel more confident. I KNOW that I can pepper spray the heck out of a dog if need be, and I KNOW that I can call for help with my whistle should we be attacked by a loose dog or a human perpetrator, for that matter.
I’ve also overcome my fear of going on longer road trips on my own, accompanied only by my dogs. I was terrified the first time I prepared to debark on a 12 hour road trip. I have since done it several times and am now confident in my ability to pull it off. I think pushing ourselves outside of our respective comfort zones really makes us grow. You are so right that we have to face our fears.
Thanks, Barbara! These would be useful tools to add to your toolbox! I don’t typically walk when it is dark. Also, have a whistle.
Certainly calm and assertive energy on walks is the key.
Yes, we need to keep facing fears. Still, personally, I need to improve my hand-eye-coordination. I think one part of the problem is that I never played sports or video games as a kid…
You are my hero!