“Eat when you’re hungry; Sleep when you’re tired.” ~ Zen Teaching
Some of the greatest lessons one learns are learnt from the simplest of truths. Have you heard the above Zen teaching before? Simple isn’t it! And the most beautiful things that we fall in love with also similarly seem to come easily when we open our eyes to the beauty in simple things. Ever took a moment to watch birds or the sunset from your terrace?! And if you learn and love at the same time, it’s got to be with your DOG!
Here are 10 things I love & learn from my dog:
1. Everyday is a New Beginning!
No matter if its rain or shine, every day for my dog is a brand new beginning. He struts to life with a zeal and enthusiasm that is infectious.
2. Live in the Moment!
He lives in the moment.
One moment, he gets disappointed that the bird he tried to catch flew away,
one moment he is taken aback when I firmly command him to stay by my side when on a walk,
one moment, he gets startled or fearful due to a loud noise....
and the very next moment he is back to his cheerful ways without a care in the world!
3. Lively, Spontaneous, Mischievous!
It’s as if he has taken the responsibility to keep life positive through his lively and mischievous acts. Spontaneity keeps him (and me!) interested in his next moves and playful grooves. There is never a dull moment. Such moments are utilized in recuperating and rejuvenating the body, mind and soul to get back to one’s mindless happy life!
4. Eat, Play, Love!
Ask any Lab owner and they will tell you what they’ve learnt about eating from their dog. And given a chance they play and expend all their energy (and so are fit and healthy). It’s the simplest rule when it comes to food and exercise!
5. Self-Belief!
Have you noticed how a small breed doggie could easily tame or subdue a much larger breed with his confidence? It’s an amazing lesson about self-belief.
6. Look Cute When You’ve Goofed!
A funny lesson but works really well (practically speaking). Goofed up on something? simply roll your eyes, look cute and plead with love. Most hearts would melt even without a word being spoken. [This is as opposed to the defensive cloak many of us wear when caught on the wrong foot]
7. Explore New Possibilities!
He’s never afraid to put his wet nose to a new object. Given a chance he would take a bite too. How often one stops short of greatness simply by not treading unchartered paths!
8. Repetition begets Mastery!
We did this as children. How do we grow out of the ability to do something we love repeatedly? Imagine the results if we could relearn that! So just go find something you like and do it to your hearts content.
9. Fun sometimes requires getting soiled!
He doesn’t need a swimming pool. A muddy puddle will do just fine. He could turn that into a most amazing pool of heavenly bliss. I learn to find joy in the simplest things in life.
10. Stand up for what you believe!
How often we hesitate to speak up for ourselves. I find no dog who would hesitate to bark up a riot to make his point clear!
And no post on my dog is complete without mentioning the one quality that got his kind closer to ours and teaches us to this day what makes us human: Loyalty and Trust. He trusts me completely and stays true to me in his every breath. Even though he may not say it in words, his every action speaks volumes.
I Love You dearly Buster! Thank you for making my life so much more full of joy. I dedicate this to every dog owner who would certainly vouch for these experiences with their own pooches.
