Judith
Compassion also provides the crucible for healing miracles to occur. One of my workshop participants told the following story. Two years before, she’d longed to get pregnant but she had a rare, serious type of kidney disease. Her doctor warned that pregnancy would overly stress her body, even endanger her life. Still, this woman’s desire for a baby was so strong she decided to risk it. Fortunately, she stayed well those nine months and her disease stabilized, which isn’t typical during pregnancy, a great relief to her, her husband, and the doctor. However, in that same period, her young Golden Retriever, her constant companion and ?soul-mate? with whom she was so attuned, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Soon after the birth of her daughter, this loving animal died, as if having held on just long enough to see her through.
Though cynics would dismiss as “mere coincidence” the fact that both contracted the same rare disease--especially when the dog had been perfectly healthy--I read this quite differently. For me, it seems rather to be a moving reminder of the interconnectedness of our hearts and the power of compassion. There was a special love between this woman and her dog. Could it be possible for one life to so empathize with another that it can sense, even assume illness? Certainly, something to contemplate. As a physician I know that love can create miracles that defy logical explanation. Selfless giving resonates with such mystery. How wondrous and far reaching compassion can be among all living beings. Each of us is capable of limitless love. The monumental implications of this fact continue to reveal themselves over the years, always giving me chills and re-clarifying my emotional priorities.
Excerpted from "Emotional Freedom" by Judith Orloff MD
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Judith Orloff M.D. is a psychiatrist and author of Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself From Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life. Her other bestsellers are Positive Energy, Second Sight, and Guide to Intuitive Healing. Dr. Orloff combines traditional medicine with intuition, spirituality, and energy medicine. More information at www.drjudithorloff.com.
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Our faithful dog, Skippy who l always referred to as my 'right hand doggy', (l'm convinced) refused to die until his three favourite people (my two daughters and l)were with him. This was especially poignant because my eldest daughter had been away for two weeks. He held on and held on until she returned home and then died peacefully a few hours later as we supported him until his final breath. It was an honour and a privelege for us to be there with him up until the last with gratitude for the love and faithfulness he showed to us for 14 years.
others live a more fulfilled life. It my be judgmental on my part, but I have always been troubled by people who claim that they do not like animals. I take it as a sign of their inner lack of touch or inner emptiness. On the other hand, when I read stories
such as those you have shared, I am gladdened to know that there are others who do feel and who are connected to our animal friends. Thanks for the reminder.