The Warrior and his dog.

In today's world more and more people feel a growing longing to become closer to nature. As the leader of the dog walking group I can tell you that I have felt this need for decades on end. All of you, members of my dog walking group, live in villages amidst the Montañas Alicantinas, the mountains of the province of Alicante. It allows us to keep in touch with nature, and while walking to smell the flowers and the herbs, to bask in the beauty of sunsets, to feel the wind in our face and to admire the natural elegance of our dogs.

Today millions of persons express an interest in the wisdom of a people we now call NATIVE AMERICANS. When I was a boy we called them INDIANS, which was still a linguistic remnant of the mistake made by Cristobal Colon more than 500 years ago. They call themselves THE FIRST PEOPLE and they were certainly present in Northern America during thousands of years, long before white men arrived.
It is one of the most cruel ironies of our contemporary history that the more we, white men, lose touch with nature, the more we turn to wisdom hidden in the ancient traditions of THE FIRST PEOPLE looking for answers. White men are responsible for the genocide of the FIRST PEOPLE and the descendants of these white men are now turning to their descendants asking them for spiritual help.
In the ManKindProject we have been allowed to learn from the lessons taught by the FIRST PEOPLE. We are their humble students full of admiration, respect, love and gratefulness.
All native inhabitants of the North American continent strive to improve their relationship with Mother Earth and her creatures. The spiritual goal of all Native American religions is to live in harmoney with the Universe. As a result all objects and beings that surround the individual deserve our attention and respect.

While studying the significance of the four archetype energies (Lover, Warrior, King and Magician) that are present in every man, I discovered the link between the Warrior and a totem animal. That totem animal is the DOG, symbol of faith, loyalty and reliability associated with the Warrior energy.
According to Heike Owusu in her book Symbols of Native America, the dogs basic instinct is to serve his master and even though (s)he is often mistreated, (s)he always answers with love. Since the dog strives to be respected by its master, it is, of course possible to spoil it with the wrong training. Ultimately, the dog is the guardian of its master and willing to do anything for him, possibly even follow him into death. Traditionally, the dog is also the guardian of secret areas and ancient knowledge.
The dog's heart is filled with compassion and it is willing to overlook human weakness. The dog can help bring these qualities to life in a person. The dog also teaches one to examine one's loyalty to oneself and others. (from page 263)

Years ago I came to the conclusion that dogs are among my best teachers.
Allow me to repeat what Heike Owusu writes: The dog can help us bring compassion and the willingness to overlook human weakness to life in a person. The dog also teaches us to examine our loyalty to ourselves and others.

If you do not believe this, that is ok for me. I accept that.
But consider this - in the Middle Ages anyone saying our planet was not a flat pancake would probably have been burned at the stake.

I have a suggestion to make: from now on, when walking with our dogs let's meditate (even if it is only for a few minutes) about which qualities they have brought to life in us.

BENIMELI 07.08.2011
For Sunday 07.08.2011 I invite you to walk with me in Benimeli, where we will start walking at 19.30.
A few days ago I took the van, put my bicycle in it and drove to Benimeli. Cycling I "discovered" a small walk that will allow my dogs to participate.
However, on Sunday evening I will be sitting on the terrace of the bar in front of the church from 19.00 to 19.30. So if you want to buy me a drink, you're welcome.
If you cannot come that early you can tell me (after the walk)all about what you discovered with the new connection you established with your dog.

Looking forward to your comments in Benimeli.

Kindest regards from Bruno