Sometimes I Think
Sometimes I think about the interactions between social trends, literary myths, and evolving cultures - in the light of classic meaning implications and reactionary post modern thought. Sometimes I think about my dog. Every now and then I find myself pondering the theories about quantum physics and projective imagination. Between shifts in awareness, I remember some of the funny things my Bassett Hounds used to do. I have noticed that both sets of thoughts are equally satisfying.
For all of the profound sayings of Jesus, there are the counterbalancing realities of animals. He was born in a barn. He spoke of the “birds of the air.” He rode a young donkey into Jerusalem. The most told story of the Old Testament is still probably Noah’s Ark. Profound interactions between God and humans often include the presence of animals. One of my favorite stories is that of the prophet Balaam — who made an ass of himself by the way he treated his donkey. God indeed has a sense of humor. In the Balaam story, the animal is smarter than the man (a fact often pointed out to men by women).
Life is a balance between complex issues and simple realities. Animals and children are the key attention getting elements in all good commercials. They seem to have the same kind of innocence, and they tug at our heartstrings. People with pets live longer, and their blood pressure is lower. Pets do a million good things for us just by being themselves (a real lesson for those of us that think we can recommend behavior changes to others).
I have done counseling sessions with my dog asleep in my lap. Those sessions are always the best. The relaxed reminder of being one with God and creation snores in my lap, while we humans juggle invented terms to try to accomplish the same peace of mind. Maybe we should just be like the dog and not worry about the rest. The real counselor never went to school. He is just somehow there (kind of a Zen thing).
When you see me deep in thought, do not think I am thinking of anything terribly academic. I may have some great philosopher on my mind — or just my dog.
