This is a place to talk about dogs, our connection to them, and how we can use this connection to help foster the relationship with them we desire. Why is it so important to talk about our relationship with dogs to understand how to work with them? Because when we talk about dogs, we're really talking about ourselves.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Freedom

Freedom. What is it exactly? Is it limitless choice? Is it lack of responsibilities or commitments? Is that really freedom or is it something else?

When I watch a dog run after a ball, or chase and catch a frisbee, I am witnessing a poetic expression of complete freedom. A collie working his herd. A setter flushing game. A terrier, well....being a terrier. Nothing else exists in his world in that moment. He is completely focused and channeled. He is, for lack of a better word, committed.

But wait, isn't commitment the opposite of freedom? Aren't we taught to believe that lack of commitment and responsibility is what it means to be free? Could it be possible that the real path to freedom isn't about shedding commitment, rather fully engaging in it? Forgive my abuse of the English language, but could it be that true freedom is actually a more committed commitment to commitment?

When I watch a schutzhund dog bite a sleeve with all his heart, fully committed to the moment, I am watching poetry in motion. I am witnessing a moment of amazing passion, desire, sheer will, and presence playing out right before my eyes. It is through his intense determination and commitment that allows him to push through all his resistance, and achieve the feeling of freedom that he so desires. That suspended moment, where time and space no longer exist. Where all things flow and are right in his world. That is the place where true freedom lies.

Dogs show us that freedom doesn't come from lack of commitment. Instead, it comes from TOTAL commitment. Because it's by walking through the doorway of commitment that you discover true freedom and liberation.
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5 comments:

  1. kevin behanApril 15, 2010 at 5:51 PM

    The infinite paradox of life, beautifully said. Thanks

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  2. Sang KohApril 15, 2010 at 9:56 PM

    I have a great teacher:)

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  3. magjariApril 16, 2010 at 12:26 PM

    We now see that what we experienced as freedom and total commitment on our dog's part would have have been supported by an ability to be fluid and flexible too.

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  4. cgettigApril 18, 2010 at 1:00 PM

    And a hearty Amen to that! So then, our inability to commit is really what builds our prison....how interesting.

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  5. Sang KohApril 18, 2010 at 3:25 PM

    It is interesting isn't it? And we experience this in all areas of our lives. Dogs just show it to us so clearly and vividly.

    Watch and listen to the dogs....they have more answers to life's riddles than we'll ever know.

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