Lessons from a Beloved Teacher

The simple life gives us opportunities to learn life lessons, gradually, so that they become a part of our being. We have the time - the luxury! - to observe the world and its inhabitants and to let their lessons resonate within our psyches.

Our teachers and guides come in various forms and sizes, and not all of them are human. The most effective teachers are often those who have a strong connection with Nature. This connection empowers them to teach in a straightforward, often nonlinear, truthful manner.

This article is a tribute to a very special teacher and friend who accompanied me, for over 14 years, on this road called Life. I can write about nothing else at this time, anyway, because my thoughts and emotions have centered themselves around Gypsy. A large black dog, of uncertain (and possibly wolfish) heritage, her unconditional love saw me through a series of major life transitions. She died recently, leaving a Gypsy-sized hole in my psyche and heart. I comfort myself with loving memories of her and daily reminders of the lessons she taught me.

Gypsy's lessons, profound in their simplicity, came from the heart of a being who was always true to her own nature. And I think they are important lessons for those of us seeking the path of simplicity.

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Many of us struggle to be true to ourselves. We fall into the trap of trying to please others, often at the cost of our self-esteem. In the face of varied and sometimes conflicting societal expectations, we may lose sight of who we are, our motivations, and what we truly want from life. Only later will we recognize that life feels meaningless and that we feel tired and burned out.

Gypsy had no such dilemma. Indeed, being true to herself was her priority. She refused to behave as other dogs and insisted upon displaying wolfish behavior, trying to dominate other dogs and seeing herself as equal to humans. A man once told me, "A female dog isn't supposed to act that way." His opinion meant nothing to Gypsy. She was too busy being true to herself.

Gypsy was never servile nor adoring, and she was quite adamant in making it clear that she would attend to her needs. She slept when and where she desired (on my side of the bed). Interrupting her "beauty rest" resulted in a few soft growls followed by her quick return to sleep. She seemed to require a lot of sleep, and she attended to that need with no apologies.

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