The Dog Star: Roads Well Traveled

The Dog Star: Roads Well Traveled

(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)

Koufax and Buddy Beagle recognize the route to the vet. They are happy to sniff around outside once we arrive, but they have to be dragged into the outer office, forced onto the scale, and then manhandled into the examination room. They then hide under the chairs, which is impossible for Buddy and downright ridiculous for an 85-pound German Shepherd.

They react to the very few unpleasant times at the vet (a shot, an uncomfortable thermometer) and disregard the fact that 90 percent of the time they are merely examined, petted, and wind up with a treat. (Koufax disdains the treats, so Buddy eats both.)

We all tend to enter metaphorical rooms the same way. We remember the worst and overlook the best (or even usual). We think about the time the prospect was surly and ended the meeting early, rather than most of the fine conversations that ensued. We think about the tough audience, which had just experienced layoffs, rather than most which were eager to learn and have fun. We think about the loan officer who denied us credit rather than the branch managers who sought ways we could become better customers of the bank.

The conventional wisdom is that we’re afraid of new roads, but I’ve found that too many are afraid of some roads well traveled. They recognize the path, think of the worst, and act accordingly: hesitant, fearful, suspicious—not exactly at their best.

Recognize the potential in every familiar route. If you feel the best outcome only occurs in the minority of visits, perhaps it’s because your attitude is such that you’re expecting the worst, so the best is an exception.

If you can’t travel the route confidently, perhaps you don’t belong on the road. Unlike Koufax and Buddy Beagle, you’re the one driving.

© Alan Weiss 2010. All rights reserved.