"Guardians of Being"

Ollie
Ollie

Every being is a spark of the Divine or God. Look into the eyes of the dog and sense that innermost core. ~Eckhart Tolle

I was commissioned by friends of mine to paint their dog Ollie.  I felt it a privilege that they would trust me with such an intimate painting.  Painting a pet is similar to painting someone’s child.  I found the best way to capture the essence of Ollie" was through his eyes.  Isn’t it true that the eyes are the windows of the soul? 

As they talked about Ollie, I recognized their deep love for their friend.  I also shared my love of my dog, Daisy, a yellow lab.  I noticed instantly that our moods quickly changed to delight, smiles, and a deeper connection, relating to each other as dog lovers and owners. 

Because dogs are always in the moment, they have the ability to connect us to stillness, being and awareness.  Dogs are not caught up in the mind like humans.  When we pet and hold our animal it connects us to that being-ness. 

My dog Daisy is a love; she loves lying on my feet as I sit in my sacred place. I can tell when my son Blake pets Daisy, he feels instantly calmed, centered and peaceful.  My husband walks Daisy daily, which instantly balances him, helps him get out of his mind and into a state of being. 

Blake and Daisy~Christmas 2012
Blake and Daisy~Christmas 2012

Here is a wonderful video with the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and Eckart Tolle, talking about the core of goodness in dogs and how we can benefit from them.

 

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20v_BPVRwX4[/youtube] 

 

Do you have a pet? Do you have a story to share?

*If you are interested in commissioning me to paint your pet, please contact me either by email, jvander51@msn.com or phone (408)460-7237, thank you!