Comments on: Why Sailing is the Next Step to Enlightenment… After Having a Dog

By: Vicky

Vicky — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:02:24 +0000

Hi, I’m Vicky and I’m a control-freak-aholic. Or at least, I very much want to be, but have learned, especially over this summer that no matter what precautions I take, some things will always remain outside the lines of my life’s coloring book, and all I can do is learn what I can from the experience and move forward until I find something else where I can apply my control-freakiness for maximum happiness.

Hint: It’s not the dog and sure as heck won’t be the cats. I’m thinking maybe knitting 😉

By: Kolchak & Jodi

Kolchak & Jodi — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:18:32 +0000

Sailing is such freeing experience. I hope you had a very wonderful time out on the water. Sailing can teach you so much, not just about allowing the wind to be wind, but about how to embrace the solitude, respect the awesome pliant and yet powerful force of the water and to live each day in awe of our beautiful planet. Sweet sailing, my friend.

By: Greyhounds CAN Sit

Greyhounds CAN Sit — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:28:13 +0000

I’ve re-read this post about 5 times now! I’m a rule follower and people pleaser too and yes, it’s limiting and constraining. Sometimes I’d really like to tell someone what I really think of them instead of being nice, lol. But I’m also a coward so that isn’t going to happen.

I like to bend rules a lot but rarely break them. Dogs have such wonderful free spirits but we do try and teach them our boundaries. I don’t have many, which is OK when it’s just us at home, not so good if Frankie is jumping on people who don’t like being jumped on, or demanding attention of those who think being pawed at for a pat is inappropriate.

Oh, Frankie and Beryl covet Honey’s butterfly stuffie!

I think Mother Nature is uncontrollable. We have to learn to bend with her or else suffer the consequences. Plan ahead, and have a plan B when plan A isn’t going to happen.

By: Amy@GoPetFriendly

Amy@GoPetFriendly — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:06:10 +0000

So true – and yet such a difficult lesson to learn. Since we started RVing full-time I’ve been reminded on many occasions that things work out better when I stop trying to force the square peg into the round hole and just go with the flow. It happened again over the weekend when we were traveling in northern Oregon/ southern Washington. Unable to find a campground with availability for the weekend, we decided to see what all the hubbub was about and take a detour to the small town hosting a big kite festival. Right in the middle of town, walking distance to all the events, was an RV park with an opening for the weekend. Ah, serendipity.

By: one person's view

one person's view — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:36:05 +0000

What a philosophical post! And I thought you were a practical woman. 😉

So much of life is not in our control, and you really nail it in the comment to Mel– you don’t want to control of your health most of all. We were supposed to go on a day trip on Sunday– it poured rain and the dog was sick and my husband went to the office instead and was there until 9:00 p.m.! I wish I had more control, and I have to learn to be okay when I don’t. 🙁

By: Kristine

Kristine — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:28:56 +0000

What an excellent analogy. I am okay with breaking rules as long I know what the consequences will be and feel I can control said consequences. Or, to put it better, I will break rules when I know I won’t get caught. 😉
I definitely struggle with being flexable and adapting to changes in the plan. Dog agility has helped me with this because as you said above, dogs often live in their own worlds. I can visualize and plan as much as I want but sometimes Shiva will still do her own thing. Many times she will do something unexpected and I find myself thrown, unable to continue. To be successful on the course, I need to be able to change my tactics on the fly.

I am so proud of you for taking chances and trying something new and incredibly difficult. For putting yourself out there to the wind. It’s not easy and it is very inspirational!

By: Sage

Sage — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:36:41 +0000

You are so right about letting go of what we can’t control. I find it’s not the easiest thing to do when you are basically a “rule-follower” but something to work towards! Having dogs, though, is truly rewarding, even with all the sniffs!

By: KenzoHW

KenzoHW — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 12:39:43 +0000

Having your sailboat point in a particular direction when anchored was a good example. In all the time I have sailed the thought that could be desirable never crossed my mind. I understand what sailing can do and what it means for you. Letting go can not be easy for someone used to prefer being in control.

By: houndstooth

houndstooth — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:49:30 +0000

I hadn’t thought about it before, but you described a lot of things about me in your post. I definitely agree that having a dog can be a humbling and rewarding experience, sometimes at the same time, although we may not realize it until later. I’m sorry the sailing didn’t go quite as you planned, but I’m betting it was still a beautiful trip!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:01:29 +0000

Thanks, Mel. I don’t want to wish ill on myself or anyone but you’re right that when circumstances take control away we can do some amazing things.

I’m hoping that voluntarily relinquishing control will teach me the lessons I would normally have to learn by losing a job or my health. 🙂