No dogma allowed
The sign says: No Dogma Allowed
I’ve never been to Dog Mountain. The more I learn about it, the more curious I am. Countless positive testimonies nudge me to visit, but an even more curious resistance to going, deters me.
Dog Mountain in Vermont (not the mountain pictured above, but apparently equally lovely) boasts miles of walking trails, ample space for canines to romp freely, and a gift shop chock-a-block full of folk art, doggie crafts, and treats. Its main attraction however, is the Dog Chapel. ⛪️ This church is dedicated to canine companions who left their people, all too soon, for doggie heaven. The chapel walls are covered with photos of deceased pets and letters written by their beloved and bereft humans. ❤️🩹
Interestingly, the couple who conceived, designed, developed, and ran this lovely place died by suicide. Both of them. Years apart. Why does this fact give me pause?
During my twenty plus years immersed in anthroposophical doctrine (the spiritual foundation of Rudolf Steiner’s work, Waldorf Education, biodynamic agriculture, etc) I assimilated many of their strong beliefs. In those circles, death by suicide was - and likely still is - viewed as a kind of spiritual failure they believe would impact one's karma and future lives. 🥺
After my gradual distancing from anthroposophy I started attending the local Death Cafe. Through monthly conversations - that featured eating cake and sipping tea ☕️ - as much as talking about death - I confronted and worked through my bias about what it means to choose one’s death. I spent a good five plus years reading and talking about death, serving as a hospice volunteer, and facing the passing of multiple people close to me. I have become a strong supporter of Vermont’s Death with Dignity act. ⚱️
A friend of mine is grieving the death of her grandchild - who recently died by suicide. This loss hits close to home as I try to wrap my fragmented thoughts and my grandmother-heart around such unimaginable loss. My friend however, assures me that there is peace to be found.
Even there.
This truth challenges social norms about death. And about life itself.
Outside the Dog Chapel there's a sign:
Welcome all Creeds
Welcome all Breeds
No Dogma Allowed
Wikipedia tells me that dogma, in its broadest sense, is any belief held definitively and without the possibility of reform. Dogma is one of the strong roots of cultic harm. What would happen if instead of dogma we celebrated the widest possible palette of human acceptance? How might that support our individual human relationships - and the world today?
In my mind, Dog Mountain possesses an unsettling combination of sentimentality, commercialism, emotionalism, and the morbid. But why would that stop me from going? In all honesty, there’s a part of me that would love to celebrate the canines I have cared for - especially Carnie and Lily - by adding my tributes to that chapel wall. The thought of these beloved dogs, here in this moment, makes my throat swell and my eyes smart.
What am I avoiding?
Writing this today opens me up to new possibilities. Writing ✍🏼 helps me by bringing awareness to something that was previously vague and unformed. Writing this today is motivating me to challenge unconscious assumptions - and even get myself out the door to discover something new.
No matter the topic, I always welcome the increased clarity writing brings. How about you? Is there a life conundrum that you would benefit from writing about? You too can Write to Reckon. 🌟
Warmly,
Gerette
PS There is one spot left in this Friday’s class. If Friday doesn't work, come to the W2R Zoom Party!
PSS If you haven't heard of Death Cafe - I highly recommend it.
PPS Here's the Dog Mountain website. What do you think? And definitely let me know if you've been there. 🐶
