dogs as spiritual directors

     One of my favorite authors, Matthew Fox, once wrote that his dog was his best spiritual director. 

I chuckled at that,  and thought he was just being his usual gadfly self.  But my experience has shown that he was right on.  

     The picture of our dog Leo sitting on the hot tub illustrates that a good spiritual director watches over you if you get into hot water, and makes sure you don't stay there too long!

       The picture of Leo keeping watch from his perch on the closed hot tub illustrates that a good spiritual director is always observing the scene, getting the context, the bigger picture, and by his/her alertness helping you be alert to what is going on around you which you might otherwise miss.  

     The picture of Leo taking a break on the living room sofa is also instructive.  The dog next to him is Maizy, our son's family dog, who is still a puppy.  When they come and visit, Maizy wants to constantly play with Leo.  They tumble over each other and play at nipping and holding each other down, etc.   until one or the other or both collapse on the floor panting.  Leo is still young, but doesn't have that inexhaustible puppy energy Maizy has.    Leo needs a break from the constant activity, and he is taking one here.  Maizy is waiting for him to be done so they can go back to puppy play.   Leo illustrates the wisdom of taking breaks when we feel that what has been going on is just too much.  To keep driving ourselves to do more when our body and/or soul is crying for rest is foolish and counterproductive in the long run.  Dogs show us the importance of listening to our bodies, and treating them as a good friend would.  

     The picture of Leo on the trail with me at West Fork in the Sedona area symbolizes the importance of having someone as a spiritual guide on the trail of life.  You will notice Leo has a doggie back pack which enables him to lighten my load.  He also goes ahead of me on the trail, tugging me up a steep part of it, and sniffing out the best way to go when I am uncertain.

A good spiritual guide will do all that for you.   Leo also helps me watch my step so I don't step on a snake or walk too close to a cactus, or stumble on loose shale.  A good spiritual guide will help you avoid pitfalls and dangers on the trail of life as well.

       So whether you have a dog or a person as a spiritual friend/guide/director,  I hope you look to someone to help you in these and other ways.