Mental Noise On Memories

Ears flat against her head, tail and head drooping, Lilie slinks towards me, approaching with caution. Finally at my side, she gives my hand a tentative lick - her way of asking forgiveness.

I grant it. She's done her time in "puppy jail" and hopefully learned from the experience. There's no reason not to.

Instantly the bad memory of the time out is a thing of the past for her. Banished to the depths of her mind. It's over. It's in the past. She's survived it, possibly even learned from it. Experience has taught her there's a chance it could happen again in some vague time known as "future" - which is a concept she can't grasp, and has no interest in trying to understand. But that's not now.

Now there is only us, and a nearby ball, which she grabs, throwing it against my leg as her ears perk up and her tail begins to wag so furiously it causes a breeze. Now there is only the ball, and the expectant hope radiating from her that I might throw it.

I do, and she races after it, tail still wagging furiously as she enjoys this moment of pure bliss that is play time.

If only my own bad memories were so easily cast aside. If only I could learn what they have to teach me, and then banish them to the depths of my mind, leaving myself free to focus on the moment, enjoying whatever it has on offer for me.

But it's not as easy for me as it is for Lilie, no matter how much I wish it was.