The interesting part about telling the truth is that it also releases oxytocin and dopamine, making a spicy, rewarding, neurochemical cocktail to help us repeat that behavior.
I didn't actually know that. Maybe that’s part of what makes “Right View” so powerful. It doesn’t just bring clarity, it actually feels right on a biological level. Thank you for sharing :)
Is not the shepherd a wolf in sheep's clothing, who manipulates the sheep so as to take some for wool and some for mutton? He even manipulated the sheepdog to unconsciously, instinctively do his bidding through generations of breeding.
As to the sheep being peaceful, this may also be a bit misleading. The stronger shove the weaker to the outside to protect themselves from the predators, and fight among themselves for the right to breed. Every herd has its hierarchy, even in nature, away from the conditioning of the shepherds.
But your analogy is apt within its scope. An enjoyable read, and excellent advice for sheep and sheepdogs.
Yup, even among the seemingly peaceful, there’s often competition, hierarchy, and self-preservation at play. It's a good reminder that simplicity in analogies, while useful, can sometimes blur complexity.
With that being said, I framed the piece around the sheepdog not to romanticize violence, but to highlight the value of clarity, courage, and responsibility, especially in times of crisis.
This is an excellent read!! As usual you do not disappoint!!
I would totally love to let someone else handle the chaos lol but that never happens lol
im always the one chasing away the wolves so I guess im more of a reluctant sheep dog 🤣😂🤣 LOL dont get me wrong its not me being a martry its more about this fight or flight reflex I have...I just tend to have more fight than flee 😅
I love this concept so much about "the Hat, the Haircut, and the Tattoo" that is sooo awesome!! Really neat way of thinking about decision making lol
Hey, being a reluctant sheepdog still counts! 😄 Sometimes the best protectors are the ones who never asked for the role but rise to the occasion anyway.
Really appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts as always, Tara!
Thats a very insightful perspective!! Definitely feels like no one else is there sometimes...BTW I think your English is pretty good considering I could easily understand you!!
The problem isn’t sheep or wolves—it’s when the sheepdogs start thinking they’re prophets and forget they’re just hairy alarm clocks with a bark. Right View isn’t about picking a side in the pasture; it’s seeing the whole ecosystem clearly—including your own fangs.
Some of us are sheep with visions. Some are wolves who got tired of the bloodlust and took up gardening. And some sheepdogs just need a nap and a good therapist.
Still, clarity is mercy. And wisdom is knowing when you’re tattooing your soul with certainty in a world meant for change.
Blessed be the wooly wanderers and the growlers with grace,
Many are sheepdogs in sheep clothing. When a tipping point occurs they take off their costume and do what they can to help their flock. Many have been gaslit, are misguided and refuse to be helped. The sheep dog accepts that he can’t save them all and does what he can to support and encourage the ones with open minds. Once on the other side, many sheepdogs will put back on their costume and continue living as sheep.
This here is the real thing. I'm totally with this way of thinking.
Nowadays we need more sheepdogs. A lot more. Because the flock it's growing in number, but not in strenght, and with it the wolves.
Thanks for the sharing. We need more of the "Right View".
P.S. Sorry for my english, I'm italian and i'm not use to it.
Thank you so much, Pietro.
I’m really glad the idea of “Right View” resonated with you. It’s something we all need more of, no matter where we’re from.
And your English is just fine! :)
Thank you for writing ✍️
Thank you, Maryann, for reading :)
The interesting part about telling the truth is that it also releases oxytocin and dopamine, making a spicy, rewarding, neurochemical cocktail to help us repeat that behavior.
I didn't actually know that. Maybe that’s part of what makes “Right View” so powerful. It doesn’t just bring clarity, it actually feels right on a biological level. Thank you for sharing :)
Powerful and important.
Thank you Stephanie. I'm glad it resonated with you :)
Ah... but what of the shepherd?
Is not the shepherd a wolf in sheep's clothing, who manipulates the sheep so as to take some for wool and some for mutton? He even manipulated the sheepdog to unconsciously, instinctively do his bidding through generations of breeding.
As to the sheep being peaceful, this may also be a bit misleading. The stronger shove the weaker to the outside to protect themselves from the predators, and fight among themselves for the right to breed. Every herd has its hierarchy, even in nature, away from the conditioning of the shepherds.
But your analogy is apt within its scope. An enjoyable read, and excellent advice for sheep and sheepdogs.
That's actually a very good analogy.
Yup, even among the seemingly peaceful, there’s often competition, hierarchy, and self-preservation at play. It's a good reminder that simplicity in analogies, while useful, can sometimes blur complexity.
With that being said, I framed the piece around the sheepdog not to romanticize violence, but to highlight the value of clarity, courage, and responsibility, especially in times of crisis.
Thank you for engaging with this piece :)
This is an excellent read!! As usual you do not disappoint!!
I would totally love to let someone else handle the chaos lol but that never happens lol
im always the one chasing away the wolves so I guess im more of a reluctant sheep dog 🤣😂🤣 LOL dont get me wrong its not me being a martry its more about this fight or flight reflex I have...I just tend to have more fight than flee 😅
I love this concept so much about "the Hat, the Haircut, and the Tattoo" that is sooo awesome!! Really neat way of thinking about decision making lol
Hey, being a reluctant sheepdog still counts! 😄 Sometimes the best protectors are the ones who never asked for the role but rise to the occasion anyway.
Really appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts as always, Tara!
I think that all the sheepdogs don't want to be the ones who as to do the work, but it feels like no one else it's there.
Love to the metaphor about "the hat, the haircut and the tatoo".
P.S. Sorry for my english, I'm not very good at writing in it.
Thats a very insightful perspective!! Definitely feels like no one else is there sometimes...BTW I think your English is pretty good considering I could easily understand you!!
Thank you!
SheepWolfDog
The problem isn’t sheep or wolves—it’s when the sheepdogs start thinking they’re prophets and forget they’re just hairy alarm clocks with a bark. Right View isn’t about picking a side in the pasture; it’s seeing the whole ecosystem clearly—including your own fangs.
Some of us are sheep with visions. Some are wolves who got tired of the bloodlust and took up gardening. And some sheepdogs just need a nap and a good therapist.
Still, clarity is mercy. And wisdom is knowing when you’re tattooing your soul with certainty in a world meant for change.
Blessed be the wooly wanderers and the growlers with grace,
Many are sheepdogs in sheep clothing. When a tipping point occurs they take off their costume and do what they can to help their flock. Many have been gaslit, are misguided and refuse to be helped. The sheep dog accepts that he can’t save them all and does what he can to support and encourage the ones with open minds. Once on the other side, many sheepdogs will put back on their costume and continue living as sheep.