The Other Houdini?

The Magical Power Of Belief!

If you are, or have ever been a pet owner, you know there is a special almost magical bond that develops in this kind of relationship. Such is the case with our dog “Houdini”.

At first glance, our lovable puppy seemed to be just like any other dog; affectionate, playful and carefree. However, as time and experience quickly marched on, a most uncanny “psychic” ability started to develop.

We acquired our Lhasa Apso “Houdini” as our older dog approached 16 in human years. The concept was that a puppy would breathe new life into our aging old friend and make the inevitable life expectancy transition easier to handle. In reality, it did even more.

And contrary to popular belief, it was not I who gave Houdini his name, it was his breeder. It seems the lady had been calling him “Harry”, and when she found out my profession pleaded with us to name him “Houdini”. A name, which I might add, he’s lived up to many times.

In fact, the first night he stayed over at the Vet’s, he escaped from his cage three times!! However, all these escapades could not prepare us for the magic that was to follow.

You see “Houdini” has developed a magical, almost psychic ability to open doors. Now before you think me mad, please hear me out.

Houdini can open a door by concentrating on it. How does he do it? He believes it will happen!!

When Houdini wants to go outside, he does not bark, scratch or draw attention to it like most dogs. He actually does the opposite.

Houdini simply stands in the room and stares at the door. Regardless if there is anyone around or not, he just stands there silently transfixed, staring trance like at the door.

If you come in and ask him “want to go outside (?)”; there is no response. Houdini just stands there and concentrates even harder on the door. He does this to the point where someone (regardless of where you are in the house) will actually feel strangely compelled to go to the door, open it and let him out!! And time is not a factor.

He will stand there for as long as it takes. It is almost as if Houdini is mentally visualizing the door opening, his going through it, and then mentally projecting his image out into the world.

I can see my old Psychology Professors shaking their heads over this one, and yes, I do know better. Animals such as Houdini do not have “psychic powers” or “mental reasoning abilities” or even “a mind as we know it.”

However, as someone who has studied animal conditioning, behavioral sciences and personally trained dozens of animals from doves to Bengal tigers I can tell you this; it looks like something magical is happening here.

Houdini may not be aware of it but he is actively demonstrating some of the key behaviors that anyone who has achieved “what at first seems impossible” knows. This knowledge is the real secret to creating “Real Magic”!

1) Know what it is you want to have happen. Be very clear about your end result and actually visualize it happening.

2) Believe that it will happen. There are no if, ands or buts; this will become a reality.

3) Be committed to making it happen, no matter what. Get prepared to do whatever it takes and for as long as it will take. Remember there are no unrealistic goals, just unrealistic time lines.

4) Do it, make it happen. Elicit whatever skills and help you need to turn your goals into a reality.

Yes, I know there are those who will say that Houdini’s story is dribble; that this whole door thing is just coincidence, fantasy or a dog gone, self fulfilling prophecy. To others its just fun to imagine and think about.

All I know is that there is magic in believing no matter who you are, and we are not reminded enough about this!

Please keep in mind that almost everything we take for granted today, was at one time impossible. Also, remember to look for the magic in the simplest things; it’s just waiting to be discovered. Dare to dream, smile and make magic happen! Create your own magic!

Remember Real Magic can happen only when people believe in themselves and are passionate about making a difference in their own life and the lives of others! Have focus! Be passionate about what you do! Create your own real magic!!

PS: I have to go now. Houdini is staring at the door.