Drop It

We have a young dog who insists on carrying things around, refusing to give them up, and not responding when someone tells him to "drop it" or to "leave it."  I wonder how often we are exactly like him in our own ways.

Waking the Zebra

I woke up about 20 minutes ago as a human. My head was already full of thoughts for the day ahead. What do I need to do today? Will I be in the office or traveling? Do I have any meetings? Can I dress down to relax or do I need to dress to impress? Should I pack lunch or catch it somewhere? What is today? Is the boss in or out? Oh, yeah. This is the day the boss will have some information about my program and will probably call me in to discuss upcoming changes. How can I find room for breakfast when my stomach is full of butterflies?

Twenty minutes of waking had already become a day of dread. It was time to wake up my inner zebra.

I smiled at myself. What a silly human. What does a zebra think when he opens his eyes to the morning light? (Okay, in my case this zebra is opening her eyes to clouds and a morning rain shower, but it is notably lighter with my eyes open.) My zebra should wake and think about right now. I am grateful for a peaceful night and a restful sleep. I am comfortable. The only immediate need is food (and coffee, however un-zebra). The day will present itself later. Right now, there are no dangers, no discomfort, no lions.

Wake up and smell the grasses on the plains. We are at peace this morning.