A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine. May's Theme: "Connection"
Volume 10 Issue 4 ISSN# 1708-3265

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Illuminations Aleesha Sattva About the Cover Michael Sutton Limitless Soaring, An M'kewl Adventure Parzival Sattva Honouring the Connection Julie Hoyle Making the Connection Corinne MacEgan The Omnipresent Pet Kiva Bottero Returning to Wholeness Jessica Agnew Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Ignis, et Animus Daniel J. Neumann Po and the Stones Phil Kotofskie Let's Talk Tarot Marcia McCord Living… Naturally Nicole Gardner Lifetalks Dawn Baumann Brunke Walk Your Talk Aleesha Sattva Wiccan Voices Crystal Blanton, HPs Meditate a Moment Parzival Sattva Cards & Curios Tarot Deck Reviews: with Dan Pelletier Bhakti Fest Compilation Yogabeat: Conscious Hip Hop and Organic Electronica Compilation Meditative Massage Music: Healing Instruments for Peace and Quiet Compilation Between the Shores of Our Souls Mirabai Ceiba The Complete I Ching Taoist Master Alfred Huang

Walking my dog entails waiting while Sully relieves himself, a natural function. However, there was a bone of contention between us. Sully liked to leave solids on plants and stones, which made clean up difficult, sometimes tearing the bag. I did not appreciate that.

Sully responded to my directives not to poop on plants and stones by lifting his leg—peeing usually okay on such objects—then leaving a challenging mess for me to clean up. Finally I told him that "tripod pooping" leaves him off balance, unprepared. "As a warrior dog you should know," I said. Finally I started pressing sideways on his hindquarters so he would have to stand on four legs. That did the trick. Somewhat.

Yesterday evening almost home from a walk, Sul stopped to do his business next to a plant. The cool air felt clean, the sun-painted clouds glowed orange-red and I smiled at the 100-pound pup squatting on four legs. Hooray! Sully waited while I cleaned up. "That was awesome, Sully. You are so smart," I said.

I looked up to see a great horned owl sitting on a low phone line beside us. It watched me. I felt its joy at the relationship between Sully and me, at how we had worked through our 'tripod' challenge.

"Hello, Owl. Thanks for trusting us," I said. "Thanks for helping me see through the darkness." I shared by remembering how I felt amid "healing darkness." We stood watching each other, Sully watching some horses. Then Sully watched the owl as well. He loooooked. "Owls are friends," I said. The owl turned its head around to watch the desert—breakfast time—then swiveled its head 180 degrees back to face us. After a few minutes Sul and I continued, looking back. Sully stopped to watch the owl again before moving on.

Owl stepped from foot to foot and raised its wings a few times in response to a feeling/thought I had about the love we all share. An owl dance!

Sully and I stopped a few yards away to watch a frisky young horse race around its corral, snorting, raising dust in the twilight, making a noise I hadn't heard from a horse, stopping to watch Sully. Sully loves to watch other youngsters frolic. I knew Sully would love to run with the horse. I know of four young horses within easy walking distance who would love to play with Sully. Maybe someday.

Back home I had the night off and read on the couch, while Chairman Meow the cat prowled outside and Sully explored in the yard, listening to night sounds. When I woke early morning, Chairman Meow lay on my chest and Sully lay on the floor nearby. (A new thing not pestering the cat!) How can you beat that? I'd like some changes in my life, but I have a comfy place to live with two furry buddies who love it too. The warm feeling inside soothed me back to sleep.

I woke later lying on my back with Chairman Meow atop me against the couch, paws straight up in the air. Sully slept on his back, paws in the air, folded puppy style. I laughed at the joy our bodies displayed from our dreamtime play. Our owl dance!

Phil Kotofskie is a longtime student of life. His sharing is based on years of working with himself in diverse jobs and relationships ranging from Army Soldier to Overnight Grocery Stocker, from spouse to stranger. His specialty is everyday life as a spiritual path.

Phil is a Reiki Master who offers healing assistance and a musician who plays didgeridoo and West African drums. He is currently finishing a book with the Stones that guides the reader to answer the question "Who am I?"

Phil lives in Tucson, Arizona with Sully, Chairman Meow, and the Stones and can be contacted via email.

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