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Posted by editor Mon Mar 12, 2007 09:11:13 PDT
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Country Wisdom
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Wisdom of the Week: We all teach by example. We don't need to tell others how to live. All we need do is just live...  and let others watch us do it.  

Dear C.C.: I enjoy walking my dogs – on their leashes. My concern is why others don't do the same. Their owners will usually say something like “my dog won't bother you” or “my dog is really friendly,” which of course is not always the case and I end up having to try and pull my dog out of a 'get together' and away as soon as possible. Is there another way to handle inconsiderate dog owners?

Dear Dog Owner: I also get frustrated when another dog comes bounding up to me when walking our dog on his leash. I guess we all seem to have high hopes for our dogs and see them differently than others. And I think those dog owners maybe feel they're giving their dogs a chance to be a dog and explore without limits. But it is unpleasant for both dogs and owners when the dogs aren't under control. To my knowledge there is little to be done other than to keep your eyes out for other dogs and alert their owners that you have a dog also. Most times they will pull out the leash before you cross paths. But you can always carry a mace gun or ammonia in a spray bottle for emergency situations. 

Dear C.C.: I know better, but I often find myself obsessing over what starts out as an ordinary worry, i.e. about my kids, my husband, our finances, how I look.  I can't stop the thoughts from recurring over and over and over, and move on.  Is there a way?

Dear Friend: Our minds are powerful and being able to control the mind rather than having it control us is a skill. Thousands of thoughts enter our minds everyday and some of them can take on a particularly troubling and persistent quality that goes beyond an ordinary worry. An obsession has a fixed quality and can even recur for years. The threat of harm, sometimes to oneself, but many times to others, is one common theme. 

As illogical as it seems, to get rid of an obsession, you must accept it. Suppressing thought usually doesn't work, even ordinary thoughts, let alone obsessions. It has the effect of a giving it energy and keeping it alive. This doesn't mean that you need to believe an obsession. Just acknowledge what is happening objectively. “I'm having this thought and it's alright.” Have another thought ready to replace it, one you can bring to mind quickly and easily and one that will bring you a positive feeling. It becomes easier each time you change your thoughts. If you are interested, find a meditation technique or a yoga class.  Both are wonderful ways to discipline your very powerful mind.

Questions can be mailed to Country Wisdom, Tehachapi News at P.O. Box 1840, Tehachapi, CA 93581, e-mailed to editorial@tehachapinews.com , or dropped off at the Tehachapi News office, 411 North Mill Street, Tehachapi, CA 93561.

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