I was having a bit of a pity party this morning. Being a gross ball of sick the past month and a half had me feeling bogged down. I let my thoughts get away from me as I walked back from the corner store. I was ruminating on my woes, pouting like a spoiled two year old who can’t have the juice box she so desperately feels she deserves.
I was nearing home when I caught a glimpse of a dog and its owner running through the park by my apartment building. They were a bouncing blur. The young lady was having a tough time keeping up with the fast pace of her puppy. Something about the exuberance of their movements captured my attention and made me smile.
I entered the lobby, heading towards the elevator while this happy pair followed close behind. All of us climbed into the same lift. I looked down at the joy filled puppy and realized – this little fellow only had three legs.
But oh, how he moved as if he had four.
Unimpaired by his missing limb, he walked spryly and smoothly, unaware he was missing anything. He was too busy fully utilizing the three limbs he had mastered.
He effectively ended my pity party.
Leaving the elevator I started to think about the pose three legged downward dog. One leg is lifted into the air while the other three limbs (two hands and one foot) are still in contact with the floor. The three grounded limbs are encouraged to strengthen. The core of the body is prompted to engage in order to maintain balance. Even though one limb has been lifted, the other three are given a chance to grow in strength, unity and ability. The body adapts.
These thoughts prompted another “snap out of it” and “get over yourself, you pansy” moment. Just because something has been taken away from a person, does not mean the person is less valuable or useful. If anything it adds emphasis to what remains. Instead of focusing on what is lost – focus on what still is. Taking the time to lament what is no longer there is warranted, but dwell too long on the absent thing and you’ll miss the abundance of what lies in front of you.
As I move through my day, if I feel any hindering thoughts of pitiful woe I shall think back to my elevator encounter. I will remember the puppy who moved with grace and happiness on his three strong and beautiful limbs. Moving forward, it makes much more sense to maintain the attitude of this amazing three legged dog – even when I’m feeling down.
