Fear

Making Friends with Your Dragons

Of late, I have the opportunity to work for a major medical institution here in Tennessee. In preparation for starting the new role, there is a lot of paperwork to take care of and more than a few immunizations to get. It can seem overwhelming, but, as always, I remind myself to focus on the task at hand— ONE thing at a time. People talk often of “muti-tasking,” but that’s not really what we’re doing. Our brain can only focus on one thing at a time— but it can also toggle between this item and that with rapid speed, so it may SEEM we are doing many things at once. When faced with a lot to do in a short amount of time it can be daunting. However, in gently reminding ourselves to slow down, take a breath and focus on the task at hand we can get through it. Ironically, without rushing, we can get more done in short order without becoming paralyezed with overwhelm. For many who normally work in offices, the COVID years led to a great number of people working from home. While it is great to have the option to do so, it is a wonderful thing when we can all get back to basking in one another’s auras face-to-face again! Humans are social creatures and our natural state is not in isolation, but in community. Sure, it can be a little bit of a sensory overload when jumping back into the world of in-person work. That said, it’s also exciting. As I tick off the boxes for necessary documentation, required vaccine records and other onboarding items, I feel my small anxious self fall away into a more welcoming, expansive optimist who embraces possibility and expansion.

In the homestretch of our walk today, Spud— our 17-pound Chihuahua-Corgi mix— was suddenly face-to-face with a giant Boxer who came charging out from behind a storage shed. No collar, no attached person, nothing— just naked, enormous, 100+ pounds of dog we’ve never met. As much as we were startled, I noticed this big fella wasn’t barking. Instead, his little stubby tail was ticking rapidly back and forth like a metronome. He and Spud were sniffing nose-to-nose— taking in one another’s scent and busily forging a bond. Within 2 minutes, this massive animal was leaning in and giving me kisses... So much for being a threat! Spud, in the excitment of meeting someone new, quickly slipped out of his harness and was jumping up and down wearing only his collar— but, thanksfully, not trying to make a getaway. I was able to get the harness back on and reclip his leash, all with his new friend trying to help. Am relaying this little story because my initial reaction to a huge dog suddenly appearing before us was, understandably, a fear response. Upon recognizing the perceived threat as none other than an imposing marshmallow, fear melted into fun and we happily played with our new Boxer pal until he was ready to go back home. We faced the fear, whatever we thought it might bring, and found that the dragon just wanted to play.

In summary, sometimes fear is just anticipation— the energy of excitement when embarking on a new adventure. And sometimes fear is based in experience— of having a large, unknown dog to contend with. But if you can take a moment— find your breath and hold to your center— you can handle whatever life throws your way. Unforunately, not every unexpected happening is so benign. But if you can remain cool under pressure, keep you awareness sharp so you are seeing the situation for what it is and not for what it could be, you’ll be better off— no matter what happens.

May all your dragons be friendly and playful!

All my best,

:D