As I started to type, I believe this is what embodies the concept of acedia today. The dog brings this to the forefront, because as with each example you offer with Carson, we are gifted a companion whose boundless love for us, their “owners,” is shown daily in ways which eclipse today’s seemingly impossible pursuit of more, better, bigger, best. You have once again touched on an important contrast between modern and ancient ways… thanks for the thoughts. Tim
Sam: I’m fairly certain you pieced together that my point was that the ‘willful slavery’ premise was spot on and the essence of acedia today! Man, fast fingers trying to type quickly sure didn’t work today! Ha. The following comment was an appreciation of your tying it into the absolute marvel that is a connection with a dog…
Ah, behold the dog who teaches us about the truly good things in life only found in the present moment. I often feel dogs are more than companions; they are actually soul guides. Thank you for a lovely post.
Ahhh, this: "Of what use is a person so wretched in their core they feel the need to offend us compared to a dog willing to die for us?" This essay refreshed me so much - thank you for it.
This was such an excellent essay, Sam. Your love for Carson is clear in every word. I'd never known the concept of acedia.
"Can you not be grateful for every second of your existence and every atom in the universe?...I will always be here…" Such an eloquent way to convey what a dog's thoughts might be if we could translate them.
I’ve been the lone holdout in our family when it comes to getting a dog for years. You may have just melted my heart and appealed to my intellect enough to make me reconsider.
This piece not only made me feel more love toward my little, aging dog but also toward my 3-yr old son who in many ways is like a little pup who stays by my side while experiencing the world in his own mysteriously beautiful way.
Dogs are far better people than most people. I loved your metaphor of the nautilus shell. My German shepherd, Ruger, also embodies the nautilus...every single mark or color visible on his right side is also seen on his left. Pure symmetry. Pure joy. Pure love. As Donald said above, dogs truly are God's gift to humans. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
We have refined the wild heart of canis lupus into the perfection of canis familiaris. Now they are offering to return the favor. Thanks for showing us where the Buddha lives.
Smiling from ear to ear. Totally agree.
And thank you for the new (old) word.
You’re more than welcome, Adam, these little monsters have the power to do.
So true Sam, thank you. Dogs are God's gifts to us.
I remember your story well, Don. Our mutts are a gift indeed.
As I started to type, I believe this is what embodies the concept of acedia today. The dog brings this to the forefront, because as with each example you offer with Carson, we are gifted a companion whose boundless love for us, their “owners,” is shown daily in ways which eclipse today’s seemingly impossible pursuit of more, better, bigger, best. You have once again touched on an important contrast between modern and ancient ways… thanks for the thoughts. Tim
Our little monsters cut right through it all. Well said, Tim, I’m grateful you enjoyed it.
Sam: I’m fairly certain you pieced together that my point was that the ‘willful slavery’ premise was spot on and the essence of acedia today! Man, fast fingers trying to type quickly sure didn’t work today! Ha. The following comment was an appreciation of your tying it into the absolute marvel that is a connection with a dog…
I'm tracking, Tim!
Dog! Nuf said.
Even the word itself has power!
Ah, behold the dog who teaches us about the truly good things in life only found in the present moment. I often feel dogs are more than companions; they are actually soul guides. Thank you for a lovely post.
Beautifully said, Sheila. Carson and the other dogs I have been beyond lucky to know have been nothing less than "soul guides." You are very welcome.
Ahhh, this: "Of what use is a person so wretched in their core they feel the need to offend us compared to a dog willing to die for us?" This essay refreshed me so much - thank you for it.
You are more than welcome, Betsy.
It's ah-KAY-dee-ah. The soft c is way later
https://chatgpt.com/share/681fb3e1-d884-8013-b8eb-98e1179bbcc8
In Koine Greek, yes. In modern Greek, no.
The hard c for some reason just pisses me off no end.
Yeah, it is rough on the ears.
This was such an excellent essay, Sam. Your love for Carson is clear in every word. I'd never known the concept of acedia.
"Can you not be grateful for every second of your existence and every atom in the universe?...I will always be here…" Such an eloquent way to convey what a dog's thoughts might be if we could translate them.
I appreciate your mention of my writing.
You're more than welcome, thanks James!
I’ve been the lone holdout in our family when it comes to getting a dog for years. You may have just melted my heart and appealed to my intellect enough to make me reconsider.
And for this I am beyond grateful. It is a good fight!
Beautiful. Love in its purest form.
This piece not only made me feel more love toward my little, aging dog but also toward my 3-yr old son who in many ways is like a little pup who stays by my side while experiencing the world in his own mysteriously beautiful way.
I love it, Kyle!
Dogs are far better people than most people. I loved your metaphor of the nautilus shell. My German shepherd, Ruger, also embodies the nautilus...every single mark or color visible on his right side is also seen on his left. Pure symmetry. Pure joy. Pure love. As Donald said above, dogs truly are God's gift to humans. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
Ruger sounds like a beauty, Catie, and I must agree with you dogs are better people than most people. Thank you as always!
Brilliant, Sam! Just brilliant. 👏
We have refined the wild heart of canis lupus into the perfection of canis familiaris. Now they are offering to return the favor. Thanks for showing us where the Buddha lives.
The Buddha, I love it. Thank you Baird!
Sorry not not with that thought Sam!
It is a willful slavery to each and every complaint within an undisciplined skull