My regular postings have fallen a bit by the wayside as we’ve brought a foster dog into the household to see if my older pug will be able to live with another dog under his roof.
George- the new guy
Today involved a major show of dominance by the old guy who is a bit jealous and fearful in losing his belly rubs and spot on my lap. It was a pretty scary moment watching my older dog be so angry and bearing his teeth with the 6lb weakling who’s our new house guest.
Kind of got me to thinking how I’ve experienced jealous mind. That little feeling when I’m have the solid sense of not getting the attention “I” feel “I” deserve. No. I haven’t nipped at the objects of my jealous, possessive mind but rather have used words to lash out at them. It’s difficult to feel the emotion of jealousy as in my experience usually manifests in words where I’ve tried to talk down the successes or achievements of others.
I try to spend some time meditating on why I’m feeling jealous. Why do I have this poverty mentality? Why do I feel that I don’t have enough? Why do I feel like I’m not enough?
So I turn to the antidotes to jealousy and the corresponding pug sutras…
- Meditate on emptiness and the lack of solidity. Consider the true nature of reality- impermanence. I can’t take all of these accumulated possessions with me. (Where is this self called pug? / Can I take these bones, squeaky toys and chewies with me? STAY AWAY FROM THEM LITTLE STINKY ADOPTED DOG..GRRR)
- Generate thoughts on the kindness of others. (I love when dad feeds me pizza crust)
- Develop a mind dwelling in equanimity. (All pugs want joy)
- Practice generosity (I’ll let the little pug pee on this first tree and take the next one)
- Feel joy in the good fortunes and qualities of others. (Good work tearing up up the owners shoes. Hope she isn’t too attached to them).
Your Turn