Soft Jaw. Soft Heart

Dogs know. You can rest here.

The Weight of the World

My jaw has carried the weight of the world since I can remember. She has kept planes in the air, found parking spots, and pushed her way through heavy traffic. She has pulled donkey carts up a hill, kept people sober, and written late-night term papers. She has a lifetime of pressing through the world, holding it all together, and keeping all the boats from rocking... Such a hard worker.

And in her mind, she’s always alone.

But even jaws get tired. Even jaws ache, groan, and long for beach vacations. Except beach vacations don’t really work if my whole body is braced for the worst and expects my jaw to keep everyone in line. No amount of willpower can soften her without help… without recognizing her hard work and calling in support.

Untangling the Knots

This week, some bodywork untangled the knots. She learned to stay soft, even when moving, balancing, and turning in space. She needs reminders, for sure. When she’s soft, everything is soft—shoulders, eyes, and vision. Air is silky, and thoughts can rest into a back body that can hold the weight. I begin to realize that grit is nice, but sometimes the river comes to you.

Asking for Help

This week, my jaw learned to ask for help. She can be on a team and still get things done. She doesn't have to press through all alone to have virtue. She can partner with others who are often eager to pitch in—and it feels good. She can get help from her own back and legs if she will just ease back in her chair. She can call on guides and ancestors just waiting to help. Earth, too, has been holding her up all along if she will only rest onto her own bones. We’re a team here.

A Message of Gratitude

This is my message to her: “Thank you for working so hard. You have really held it all together—Help is here now… We can soften and trust.” And she rests. Beautiful jaw, she eases back when she remembers we have allies who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us if we only ask. We can lean.

Dogs Know

Dogs have known this for a long time. They understand the power of the pack and support. They lean on us, and we lean on them. It’s a beautiful dance of trust and connection.

It doesn't come naturally for me to ask for help. Thankfully, my dog has shown me how. Deeper connections, deeper trust. Soft air. Soft heart.

The Journey Continues

As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that it’s okay to take a step back. It’s okay to lean on others. It’s okay to rest. My jaw has learned to trust, and in that trust, she finds freedom.

So, here’s to all the jaws out there, carrying the weight of the world. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Help is here. Let’s embrace this journey together.

And just like that, we can soften... and trust.