Article June 23, 1986 Issue

"Trade!"

HELEN A. DEL NEGRO

Have you ever had trouble letting go of a bad habit, a wrong relationship, or just plain wrong thinking? I'm certain all of us have at some time.

Once I was having a terrific struggle with a "letting go" situation. I've forgotten now what it was that seemed so important that I couldn't bear to part with it, but I still remember the wonderful light that dawned in my consciousness one morning and brought healing.

Honey Bear, our cocker spaniel, had just dashed past me on his way upstairs, dragging my best sweater. Automatically I shouted to him, "Trade!" (He had been taught from a tiny puppy what that meant.) Immediately he turned round and bounded down the steps, bringing my sweater. Then he dropped it at my feet. He looked up at me and smiled expectantly. (And you know dogs really can smile!) Honey Bear knew his reward was coming—not a reward for stealing, of course, but rather a prize for letting go. I picked up the sweater, gave him a cookie, and he went happily on his way. Then the light dawned.

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