Acceptance, Contentment – Santosha
About four months ago I got myself a puppy. At the time I rescued her they said she was maybe 6 or 9 months old. So, I’ve got a possible 10 month to year old plus puppy. Bella is wonderful, sweet, silly, soft and oh so cute. I’ve never had a puppy before, so this has been a big shift in life. Not to mention, Bella herself is big baby and not so keen on being alone, also has become quite protective of me. I have to remind myself often, she is big, but not grown and still learning. Especially when I expect perfection, which has been a recurring theme in my lift. As a reminder, there is no such thing.
I am working on finding the balance of life. Giving to my pup and also taking care of self. I have a new dependent in life (as a yoga class mate noted) and it feels good to have something that is more important than anything else, though finding the balance will do us both good. I feel the desire to do anything else has faded away. I really just want to hang with her, well, except for when I want a break :).
I recently went to a Friendsgiving (yep, it’s November) and had my puppy sitter take care of her. Before eating we shared what we were grateful for and what we are proud of or need support with. I shared that I was grateful to be with everyone. My proud of was, acceptance. In Sanskrit/yoga philosophy acceptance or contentment is Santosha. I had these expectations of getting a puppy, I would mold her just as I want her. Thinking that was going to be the benefit of being a puppy. And we are working on that, daily. I thought she would sit home alone at ease, go to day care and play her little heart out. Little did all those things play out. It’s been opposite of my expectations. Which is life, isn’t it? I have accepted it and need to take action for what is best for all of us.
I share this as a reminder to self that writing is therapy. It’s balance, it’s self care, it’s an opportunity to share what I am feeling and reflect. I write this sitting on my front steps, listening to the little lady whine (just a little). Oh yes… it’s dinner time and our clocks have changed.