Amanda’s Article :: My Story
Well, hello there!
I’m so glad we’ve come together. You know why? Because if you’re reading this, it’s highly likely you’re a huge dog-lover like me. Perhaps you've also been called dog crazy?! Well that's perfect. With this in common, we’re about to embark on a great adventure together. We'll learn a lot about dogs and about ourselves too. We’ll expand our minds and hearts, and improve the lives of many other beings together.
That’s what it's all about – the work of Sama Dog.
“I see people waking up to a deeper connection with their dogs, which easily becomes a deeper connection with themselves.”
This project is my Dharma, a Sanskrit word meaning “purpose in life.” My friends, family and community have witnessed the gradual manifestation of the passion inside of me. It’s been an extraordinary ride so far that has given me an understanding of, and belief in, spiritual living at a depth I’ve never experienced before. The synchronicities in themselves have been the most amazing teachers and guides. I could write a novel (and maybe I will some day) about the twists and turns, the people who rose up out of nowhere and everywhere to help assist in their unique and perfect way and the comfort I've felt in allowing this unfolding to naturally happen. And that's rare for me – I'm a planner. But now it's different. I’m riding the wave of my purpose, authentically detached from outcome, allowing the Universe to work through me.
When I was a little girl, our family dog Prince saved me from drowning in our backyard pool. After this life-changing experience, the infatuation I had with dogs only expanded and deepened. I’ve grown to respect them more with each passing day, each new dog I meet, each time they make me laugh or cry, each time they express love like no other creature can.
Amanda, her brother Chris and Prince their childhood dog
Our family, with my dedicated mother at the helm, ran the local pet store in Lake Tahoe, California for many years. All those animals became my closest friends. Their company was so safe and accepting. I remember how much I enjoyed taking care them... even the snakes and goldfish.
Combining all of my past experiences with animals, alongside the spiritual/health/yoga knowledge I've received from studying closely under Deepak Chopra for so many years, makes sense of my life. I'm entirely inspired by the shift in perspective that happens right before my eyes during each of my classes. I see people waking up to a deeper connection with their dogs, which easily becomes a deeper connection with themselves. Oftentimes this awakening also opens their hearts to see their connection with other animals on this planet too. For me, and likely for you as well, animal love is a sacred pathway to healing and happiness. They make life so much better.
I’ll devote the rest of my years to this service. When I turned 40 at the end of August, I felt an impactful shift within the orientation of my life: why I’m here, who I am and where I'm going. In 40 years, I’ve received so much. Now my only intention is to give, love and serve.
Prayers at Pura Tirta Empul (Water Temple) Bali, Indonesia
That’s what my new tattoo on my inner arm represents. It’s a Sanskrit mantra which means…
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
Sharing our lives with our dogs, just like any other relationship, comes with its joy as well as its challenges. I am constantly facing situations with my dogs, and my human relationships, that are difficult and confusing. Yet those times are easily overshadowed when we look into one another’s eyes and remember how very lucky we are to have these experiences, and these beings to share it with, who make our life worth living. We’re in this together.
How do I hope to help? Through my website, social media and newsletters, I’ll provide you lessons, tips, revelations, research findings and practical advice to learn more about holistic, integrative wellbeing – for both you and your dog. I can help you finally figure out some of the most challenging and confusing circumstances of being a dog parent.
Community can be one of the most important aspects of a happy life and personal growth. So please stay in touch with us; let's open a two-way street. Share with us your stories or struggles, challenges and celebrations, by commenting on our posts or sending us an email.
You're invited to explore the Sama Dog website and sign up for my mailing list by entering your email address below. I won’t bombard you with emails. Instead I’ll provide occasional, interesting and most importantly helpful information to make you and your dog’s life even better.
All aboard!!
With love, Amanda, Rene and the Sama Dog Pack
Amanda and Rene Ringnalda
The core pack (Graham, Maya, Benny and Pep
Learn more about Sama Dog www.samadog.com
View our FaceBook page www.facebook.com/samadogwellbeing/