BE MORE DOG

Mindfulness is the process of keeping us focussed on positive thoughts and recognising and appreciating what is going on in the “now” rather than living in the past or worrying about the future.  Mindfulness can help reduce stress and enhance health.  I reckon that, with this in mind, it’s worth paying attention to your dog’s behaviour.
 
Dogs always live in the moment.  They live in the now.  They want to sniff that tree or to fetch that ball right now.  They don’t fret about what happened or didn’t happen yesterday and they rarely sulk.  They don’t get cross and they’re always, always thrilled to see you.  Dogs accept who they are and don’t try to be anyone else! 
 
They also have an amazing ability to sense your emotions – filling you with joy when you’re happy, comforting you when you’re sad and keeping their distance when you’re cross.  They seem able to tune into you through mindfulness.
 
It’s easy to practise mindfulness when walking your dog – let it show you how!  Note how your dog is so happy to be out in the world.  Head up, waggie tail, alert.  Each walk with you is an adventure and they don’t want to be anywhere else in that moment.
 
If one of your goals is to live more “mindfully” …. be more dog!