Lessons from a Mutant Guinea Pig

This is Ginger. The 10 year-old mutant guinea pig that’s impersonating a dog at our house.

The significance of the picture is the time; about 3 AM during a storm. I took it years ago but we went through the same routine this week. She will not sleep in our bedroom during a storm. She might sleep in the basement (50/50 chance if the thunder is quiet enough). Just when we think we have a technique that is working (herbs, lights, noisemakers, drugs!) a new night, a new storm and a newly terrified Ginger can throw a wrench in the best laid plans. So now, after years of trying to figure out what will get her to sleep, I focus on loving her when it's my turn for Ginger babysitting. I still hope for sleep, but I've learned that expectations tend to undermine my ability to love -- and I never want to fail to love her. Expressing anger toward her makes me feel bad inside, and I know she doesn't like it either. Her heart is pure even though it is easily terrified. So when anger comes as hopes and expectations aren't met I practice the rest that works, seeking to settle back into my desire to love her unconditionally. It always feels better to get there even if I don't get much sleep. Thanks Ginger, you're a great teacher.

More power to you in moving past barriers to your best self and getting to loving.