Bananas, Dogs, and Samskaras- OH MY
How could bananas, dogs, and samskaras possibly be related? In my mind, there was no separating them…until now. Samskaras are the old stories and beliefs we tell ourselves. Old patterns of thinking, moving, eating, believing. The list goes on. They are reactions and patterns created in our minds by our thoughts, influencing our actions. When these stories and patterns are continually repeated, we become less mindful of them and the habits become stronger and mindLESS.
I have told myself for many decades that I hate bananas and I would avoid them at all costs. If there was a table of bananas at a race, I NEVER consumed one. Not ONCE! If a menu item had bananas or even the flavor of them, I never ordered it. I’m told I would spit them out as a baby. I could hardly even peel one for my kids when they were growing up. And for heaven’s sake, never eat one in the car while I’m in there with you! I would literally gag.
Then there were dogs. I was attacked by a dog when I was about 5-6 years old. This German Shepherd had me pinned to the ground and stood on my chest. Thankfully, my Dad saved me! Ever since I’ve had a deep-seated fear of dogs. I’ve never been an animal lover, especially dogs. I lived my life downright in fear. Once again…avoid at all costs. And please….don’t let an animal touch me!
As I approach this next stage in my life of Vata, I started to notice these outdated stories and patterns that I had. I became more aware of these outdated stories and patterns and noticed that they were weighing me down. We are never too old to dig deep and do the work. And it was also impacting my husband. He is a dog lover and could use a 4 legged furry companion in retirement. So, I started to investigate my samskaras further and realized that they were too heavy to keep carrying. I had a strong desire to re-write those patterns that were deep-rooted for myself and those around me.
I’ve tried to eat bananas. Admittedly, to prove a point to myself more than anyone… I did it. I don’t love bananas and that’s ok because I don’t need to. The point is that I tried them and rewrote my storyline on them. My now automated thought processes.
Dogs on the other hand….I have a special place in my heart now for our rescue dog, Luna. Once my husband and I decided to get a dog, it was full steam ahead and no looking back. We adopted a rescue lab/pointer mix who had been running the streets of Detroit for over a year when they finally caught her and her pup. She is the most gentle and easy-going gal. All she wants is to be loved and petted. Touching a dog has been a very slow process for me, but I was determined. Now I find myself lying on the floor with her and filling her up with love and goodness. I’m not going to tell you it was easy but I will tell you…it has been worth it. To see the joy in his (my husband’s) eyes when Luna comes into the room is heartwarming. I have to admit, the greeting upon coming home is irresistible.
- My lessons from Luna:
- Love is unconditional and joy is limitless
- Live from one smell to the next….moment by moment
- Ask gently with a simple nudge when you need to have some extra loving
- Eat 2 meals a day and be content
- Slow down and rest in your favorite spot in the sun each day
My question to you: What stories have you told yourself that you’re willing to dig deep and write a new manuscript for?
You may find that the weight of that old pattern is heavier than you thought and also easier to let go of. What are YOU waiting for? Go find your own bananas and dogs and be brave enough to ask yourself: I wonder what it would be like if…?
