It is quite possible, of course, that when we have deactivated both the black and the white dog, that the spiritual dimension does not respond instantaneously. (The black dog here connects to self-recrimination and the white dog, connects to the urges to be a different person, to be the way the personality itself thinks we should be, or should have been.) Allowing either activity to dominate just creates a constant see-saw of inner activity that blocks our connection to our spiritual essence. The image itself speaks to me, saying ‘Be still. Be restful. Be at peace.’ If we can take that attitude, the non-reactive view, we are allowing ourselves to begin to be available to our souls.

Sometimes, though, we have perhaps not come close enough to true peaceful surrender. In my life at such times, and even all the time, I use gratitude as a practice.

Even at the most discouraging and difficult time, there are always many parts of our body that are working (‘Thank you that my hands are able to work’).

Socially we have at least one person who supports us or is friendly to us.

Financially we have at least one coin in our wallet or a dish with some dimes and nickels lying around and more money will come.

Thank you that there is some food in the fridge and cupboards.

Thank you that I have a warm cozy bed.

Thank you that I am not fleeing something.

Then beyond that, no matter what your childhood was like, there were always somewhere a gift of love and wonder.

Thank you that I have been helped by many people along the way. Thank you that I have been helped by the spiritual dimension along the way.

Thank you that I have been given some spiritual teaching and knowledge to refer to.

And going out into nature, thank you for grass and trees and flowers. Thank you for the birds singing.

And going out into the larger galaxy, thank you for the stars shining, thank you for the glorious sun, our Solar Logos. Thank you for the wonder of creation.

Thank you for the gift of my life. Thank you for the Breath of Life wherein I can connect and be at peace.

A breathing practice is a lovely way to culminate this navigation of the shoals of turbulence.