Sunday, February 23, 2014

Lessons from my dog...

Today is a gorgeous day.  The sun is shining.  The temperature is perfect for a walk with a coat and no hat.  So I headed out for a walk with my dog, Anouk.

She taught me again about enjoyment and living fully and vibrantly in the present moment.

We walked along and off she went into the snow.  Flop.  Rolling. Digging her head under the snow.  Rolling.  Romping.  Full delight.  Full focus.  Full presence.  No worrying about what is next.  

I was struck today by how important a lesson that is for us humans.  We worry about tomorrow, our to-do list, and a whole variety of things.  We live in our heads.  We think about our future, hoping for something to happen — living not in the present but rather in our hoped for future.  We remember the past, the ‘good times’ wishing they would come back — we live in our past.

What is it about the present moment that challenges us?  Why is it so difficult to live fully in the here and now — the present moment?

Here’s the thing:  when I do surrender to the present moment time slows down.  Spirit is tangible.  I notice beauty.  I experience peace and harmony.  I hear the call of my Heart.  I feel my breathe entraining to the breathe of God.  I know, at the core of my being, that I am not alone in my life; and that even in the midst of my most challenging moments I am loved. 

So why do not choose to live fully in the present moment more often?


For now, I thank Anouk for reminding me that the present moment is a grand place to live!  

1 comment:

  1. I had some present moment delight with my dog this afternoon, too!

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