A state of mindfulness is being aware of your internal state AND your external circumstances. It’s about noticing your reaction to what is happening around you and how your body and mind are dealing with the emotions. You are awake, aware, and attuned to the moment – a presence that is sharp, focused, and deliberate. In this realm, I take lessons from Sassy. She is not only a skillful teacher, but a wise sage that brings me back to calmness when my mind goes into overdrive, down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Don’t judge. It can happen to anyone. After careful observation of my Dachshund roommate, she has shared 10 bits of insight to facilitate a calmer, more relaxed, and focused demeanor.
1. Live in the moment.
It doesn’t matter if you are fetching a ball, laying in the sun, or gnawing on a great flavoured bone, just pay attention. Focus on the ball, feel the sun on your belly or taste the delectable gravy.
2. Trust your intuition.
Dogs are experts at this. They know when to lie low, when to bark, and when to leave. Use your senses to gage the energy of anybody that comes into your field. If it’s uncomfortable, trust it.
3. Stay focused.
You will never experience more intensity that having your four-legged roommate watch you eat. There will be no movement of the body but the eyes will follow every bite from fork to mouth, waiting for that miracle when you drop a piece on the floor or signal your desire to share. THAT is focused attention.
4. Take time to rest/sleep.
Sassy puts in a solid 14 hours a day of rest and relaxation. She doesn’t have an alarm clock but knows instinctively when to play and when to rest. Ask your body. It will know too. There is no heroism in exhaustion and overwork. Do less, get more done.
5. Cultivate healthy relationships
Sassy has three close friends – Happy, Lucky and Pepsi. You don’t need a lot of friends. You do need a few close ones that you can share anything with. The best way to develop good relationships is to eliminate the toxic ones. Make room for love.
6. Meditate every day.
It doesn’t matter so much how you do it. Just do it. Sassy prefers to smell every blade of grass to leave her mark at intermittent spots. I prefer to smell the flowers. After supper, we sit quietly on the couch, eyes and smile at half mast, drinking in a whole lot of nothing, just sitting.
7. Eat well.
Sassy likes fish oil, yams, carrots, watermelon in the summer, and, of course, cheese. I like these things too, sans the fish oil – yuck. You know what’s good for you. Be kind to your gut.
8. Exercise.
Two daily walks in the hood and a squeaky toy fetch game keep us in shape.
9. Forgive.
Don’t hold a grudge. Sassy pointed out to me that humans and monkeys (people cousins) are the only creatures on the planet that seek revenge. When you hold anger it makes your body sick. You take care of you. Pay attention to the lesson.
10. Show appreciation and gratitude.
When I come home, I am greeted by tail wagging, an infectious beautiful smile, and a vibrationally charged “I’m so glad you’re home.” in canine speak. My oxytocin spikes, my heart does flip flops, and I feel so grateful to have this friend in my life. She feels the same way. Be like Sassy. Smile.
Take care of your heart, your mind, your body, and your relationships. Do this mindfully and the rewards will be exponential.
Namaste
Susan Lee Woodward
Copyright – May 31, 2022 All rights reserved
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