Each week I sit down to fill my blog spot. I write something current in my life or thoughts which I know you can benefit from in some way or another. It may not necessarily be what you are looking for in the moment but all of my postings are habits, ideas, disciplines which, when adopted, can enhance your quality of life, your success and happiness. I like to share thought provoking experiences or personal gains to inspire and encourage my readers.
Today I would like to share with you what many consider to be the greatest of all life’s realisations – undoubtedly one which, when discovered, takes your quality and appreciation of life to a whole new level.
I’m talking about knowing your best teachers, the ones who can help you connect to your own authentic you, the real you, the best and only you. And how do we do this?
When it comes to living in the moment my best reminder and teacher is our canine friend and family member, Heidi. She is a four year old chocolate Labrador. A totally loveable dog if there ever was one (but then we all think this about our pets don’t we?) She is full of energy, enthusiasm and contentment which are just three of the reasons we enjoy her as a family member.
Now there are many canine anecdotes I could write about today but the one I would like to focus on is the one I think I benefit from most of all – these days at least.
A dog lives in the moment. Their whole approach to life is seeing, breathing and thinking in the NOW. They do not worry about what happened yesterday. That is irrelevant. This is assuming the dog is being well cared for and shown kindness of course.
They do not appear to worry about tomorrow, they trust and assume (!) they will be fed, watered and exercised. Mind you, that’s probably because they set that goal and intention as they fall asleep the night before! Well if that habit ain’t broke why change it?
All that man’s best friend seems to concern themselves with, is LIVING IN THE NOW. This moment in time is all that matters. As I glance over to her right now, I get that dreamy, loyal look from her eye and a sigh of contentment that all seems to say all is okay in her world right now. Wonderful.
How often in one day do we show a dreamy look in our eyes and a sigh of relief to say that all is well in our world right NOW? Not often enough I tell myself.
She reminds me of the famous quote:
“Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is a gift
That’s why we call it The Present.
Looking at Heidi right now (it helps when she has just had her breakfast) her life looks like it is one big present! I wonder, if dogs were not blessed with this ‘Live in the moment’ approach to life, would we find them such enjoyable companions? Could it be that it is this very non-judgmental approach to life and others that is exactly what makes their company so appealing in the first place?
The other week my two young nieces stayed over with their sixteen week old cocker spaniel called Guy. As you probably know cockers have endless energy, fun and playfulness in them, just as nature intended. Intelligence too – oh yes!
Heidi and Guy were great friends from the moment they met, revelling in each others company. Living for the moment, letting go of the future (having set goals of course) a playful and fun approach to life that does not require a credit card!
But of course it is not just dogs which can teach us. Cats do this for many people too. We have a black one called Sam. He and Heidi are the best of friends so long as Sam is the boss! Well he did live here first I guess!
The outdoors with plenty of exercise – doesn’t this approach to life sound good to you? Some days I wonder if our dog is the best teacher of all? And just what nature intended too.
I have a saying for myself which invariably I find helpful;
‘When in doubt, ask nature what it would do’
Animals, pets of all kinds can give you answers. Horses, cats, guinea pigs – maybe even the tranquillity of fish, you name it – can all teach us something, if we take the time to look, watch and listen. If animals are not your thing maybe it is water, trees or music perhaps which help you find that quiet internal place.
Using animals and nature to find ourselves and be all we can be.
Who knows, maybe it’s exactly what nature intended!
Have a good week.
Billy
