The FRIENDLY Effect

For this week's post from me, I'd like to share how I chose to concentrate on friendliness, and it's rippling impact, particularly over the two days I attended a conference in Boston.  Yes, I attended with a friend but also with the Big Furry Fluffy Dog (see photo insert in the last blog entry for a visual) who does go everywhere with me, given he is a Service Dog.

My attention was heightened because the friend with whom I traveled for the intensive two day conference on Psychotherapy and Meditation had never been with said dog in a public setting for two whole days.  Being in Boston, big city that it is, enhanced the experience for the two of us.  Not our norm.

On day one I told her to check out the many faces as we walked from our parking spot to the hotel where the conference was held (probably 3 or 4 blocks).  Into the hotel, an historic and rather fancy hotel, we went.  Heads turned.  Smiles, smiles and more smiles.  Once in the conference, we sat in the back of a large ballroom which likely held over 200 participants.  The Service Dog had plenty of room to fan out the legs and sprawl while we listened.  In no time people began to quietly approach (food and coffee were not far behind us) because even the sleeping fluffy dog drew attention.  "May I pet your dog?  What kind is he?  What's his name?" they said in hushed whispers because the presenters were doing their thing.  Smiles, smiles and more smiles from nearby and further away.  A participant who explained she was from Maine, missed her own three dogs, and really needed to pet mine, joined the fluffy dog on the floor for probably 1/2 hour.  She returned for pats here and there on the second day as well (we sat in a different location and she found us).

Both days my friend and I had the pleasure of eating our lunch and walking through the Boston Public Garden (where the Swan boats and the mallards, made famous in the children's book, Make Way for Ducklings, float about).  Picture this park (might be worth googling in order to see images) in its height of color.  The crab apples (pink and white), the dogwood, the red bud, the tulips of assorted colors, and the vast array of trees springing into to bloom in this historical botanical, blissful place.  There were babies ranging from newborn to toddlers.  There was a group of third or forth graders spread out in one section of grass reading.  There were adults of many ethnic groups ranging from business types, to new mothers, to older adults walking or sitting, taking in the fresh Spring air.  Fluffy Dog, Rowdy, received many greeters of the human and canine type.  The latter were his favorite, of course.  Smiles abounded.

By the close of the intensive two day training, I can certainly say my energy was fueled by reflecting upon the ways focus came Rowdy's way during our adventures in Boston.  While the area in which we moved was relatively small, given the size of metropolitan Boston, the experience of seeing how Rowdy can bring a smile to the faces of complete strangers of all sorts, was powerful and it seemed good.  I believe I have now coined a phrase for this effect Rowdy has on others -- it is The Friendly Effect.  I shall try to continue to allow for this effect when I make my way about town with my furry friend.

May your week be filled with smiles!