Surviving the Daily Cray Cray

I used to think that nothing could surprise me anymore.

But every day when I read the news, I shake my head, dumfounded, because undoubtedly there will be a story so unbelievable that it rattles my brain. Whether it’s people’s refusal to wear masks to protect themselves and others from illness, or someone totally unqualified has decided to run for president, or a person on social media is seeking attention by spouting hate and racism; I look up from my computer and announce to my husband, “And there you have it – The Daily Cray Cray.”

Like row boats caught in turbulent waters, most people I talk to feel shaken by our current pandemic. How did we get here? When will it be over? What will happen next? Some people are frozen, others have cabin fever, and others, unexpectedly have found greater clarity and purpose in life.

Whenever I catch myself getting angry, feeling anxious, or succumbing to the storm, I turn to my wellness guru, Grace, who is generally riding out any drama sleeping on her dog bed while snoring loudly. It’s then I remember that the only way to ride out a storm isn’t always to fight it, but to surrender to the waves until they subside.

Whether the News is Good, Bad, or Worse

My dog Grace gets me to start my morning with a good laugh. What else can I do when I see her big eyes staring at me, patiently but eagerly, while her head rests on Ken’s pillow. Next, she urgently nudges me towards my closet to get dressed, then follows me from room to room, prodding me with her wet nose, as I collect the things that we will need on our hike.

During our early morning jaunt, instead of focusing on the daily cray cray, I stop and look at the magenta colored cholla, or watch as Grace half-heartedly chases a rabbit as it disappears into the juniper. And maybe, if we are lucky, we will spot a coyote in the distance, standing against the magnificent New Mexican sky; a vast landscape of blue, grey, and cotton white.

Mercifully, by the time I get home, I’ve forgotten all about the pandemic. This is the healing power of nature. When we tune into her, our bodies and minds settle back into balance. As an acupuncturist, this was always a vital part of what I would try to remind my clients to incorporate into their day. We are not separate from nature, we are nature. And the more we can tune into this, the healthier and happier we can be. Truthfully, I wouldn’t be hiking or out in nature as much as I am now, if I didn’t have a dog to insist on a hike twice a day. This is how the animals in our home can act as our intermediaries to the natural world around us.

Befriending Uncertainty

I don’t know when our time with Covid-19 will come to an end. I do feel it’s important for all of us to stay informed and to do our part to make the world  a better place for all – humans and non-humans alike. But this time has also been a great lesson for me on focusing on the beauty of today, appreciating the people that I love and who love me, and keeping ever present in my mind that the animal companions who fill our life are so much more than just house pets. Hidden behind those lovable faces are masters of simplicity, keepers of wisdom, and our guides to living life with greater understanding and compassion. It begins with awareness, manifests with joy, and cumulates with gratitude. At least it does for me.

Stay Pawsitive & Stay Healthy

Carlyn MDO 💜

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“A truly masterful and inspiring work. Reading Carlyn’s words felt as though I was embarking on a journey of healing wisdom from over the ages. Her powerful message for humans and their animal friends is a must read for all animal guardians if we are all to thrive in our modern world. It is a great honor and pleasure for me to recommend this absolutely wonderful book.” 

– Elliot M. Katz, DVM, Founder and President Emeritus, In Defense of Animals