Day 8

Last night I was continually awakened by barking dogs. Typically, one of the things that annoys me the most is interrupted sleep. I get so frustrated and mad at the owners for letting their pets wreck the peace and quiet of the neighborhood; the feeling of inner rage permeates my body. This time I tried to use what I have learned to lessen the impact on my cells and on what energy I was creating.

The work: To endeavor not to push the feelings away, but to also not to hold onto them. So, breathe, feel the feelings of rage come into my body, and through it, going out and away from me. Feeling the resentment flow through me, and then out. Continuing, over and over, not letting it settle and take over, not letting it become who I am. My body relaxed. In, through, out. In, through, out. Breathing into my belly, grounding. The barking became more out 'there', not 'in here'. My inner tension started to fade. I would fall back asleep for awhile, until the next lesson, but I didn't get as bottled up with rage. The process worked.

It's funny how a part of me doesn't WANT the process to work: I want the other people to just pay attention and STOP their dog from barking at all hours! Why should I have to do all of this work when it's something that THEY are doing? Yes, yes, it's their gift to me of another life lesson. But it's so much more fun (and infinitely more self-righteous) to just want to yell at them.
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Verse 8

The supreme good is like water,
which benefits all of creation
without trying to compete with it.
It gathers in unpopular places.
Thus it is like the Tao.

The location makes the dwelling good.
Depth of understanding makes the mind good.
A kind heart makes the giving good.
Integrity makes the government good.
Accomplishment makes your labors good.
Proper timing makes a decision good.

Only when there is no competition
will we all live in peace.
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A family crisis has occurred. May the learning that I have received so far bring clarity and light to this event. I will take a break from the blog during this time. Love to you.