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A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine. July's Theme: "Risibility"
Volume 9 Issue 5 ISSN# 1708-3265



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 		Lifetalks
~ Riza-bility ~
with Dawn Baumann Brunke

Risibility is the theme for this issue of Timeless Spirit. Usually when I write my column, I let the subject simmer for a few days. Eventually, my subconscious churns up some ideas for conscious consideration. But risibility? This is not a word I ordinarily use and I wasn't even sure what it meant. The dictionary tells me it is about a tendency to provoke laughter. Hmm. Nothing about the subject came immediately to mind — nor after several days of simmering.

A week before my deadline, glancing over my To-Do list, I noted that I really needed to address this subject. I like laughter; I like being provoked to laughter; I even like to provoke laughter myself. So, why was nothing funny coming to mind? Slightly vexed by my lack of inspiration, I gathered a few packages to take to the post office and said goodbye to our dog, Riza. She was sitting on the window bench in the entryway as she often does, gazing with contented canine contemplation at the bright spring day outside.

"Rizability," she announced as I opened the door to leave.

"What?" I turned to face her.

"You heard me."

I put down my packages. Riza is part Chow, part German Shepherd, and part wise, old ancient Dog.

She snorted and looked at me with her calm brown eyes. I often laugh at Riza's sneaky ways. She has us well trained. Although she isn't a fan of casual conversation, every once in awhile she sends me a zinger.

We walked to the computer and I invited Riza to expound. She stretched on the floor beside me:

By Rizability, I mean plain, simple dog wisdom and healing: enjoying some moments in the sunshine, running in the grass, meeting another dog, licking your ice cream bowl, resting on the floor when you watch a movie, going for a walk, investigating treasures, sniffing all scents possible and being pleased that you are walking with me. Those are dog moments of joy; I'm sure you can think of human equivalents that make you smile too.

People often take dog teachings for granted. Maybe that's because we seem so easy going, as if we haven't a care. Or because our lessons are plain to see in all we do. We take you for walks and give you the idea to teach us games; we delight in simple things and encourage you to laugh at our antics. You often think of us as good-natured pals who enjoy an easy life without much thought. Perhaps you underestimate the power of Dog medicine at work.

There is a teaching in our fun-loving presence — a healing quality that runs through all our play and joy. No need to spell it out for you. We just want you to enjoy. To feel with all your body the fullness of life. To appreciate the rich wonder in every moment of every day.

True, sometimes things are solemn or serious or sad. Good! Sit with that; feel those things. And when you are finished, know that any moment can bloom open, expanding into a freestyle swing of delight. A nudging nose, a wagging tail — we dogs are all about the rise of risibility whenever the moment is ripe. And, we are here to remind you: the moment is always ripe.

When we were finished, Riza returned to her favourite spot on the window bench. I sat beside her. Forget chores and the post office, I thought. Instead, we gazed out the window together. The pussy willows were just beginning to show their fuzzy gray faces; the sky, blue and clear and cold. I felt myself smiling for no particular reason. Like so many of her fellow canine companions all over the world, Riza had worked her simple, powerful magic upon yet another unsuspecting human.


Dawn Baumann Brunke is the author of Animal Voices; Animal Voices, Animal Guides; Shapeshifting with our Animal Companions and Animal Teachings.

All four books explore the deeper nature of our relationship with animals, nature, each other and ourselves. For more, see Dawn's website.

Be sure to read the reviews of her book "Awakening to Animal Voices" in our May 2005 Issue and her book "Animal Voices" January 2006 Issue.

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