What Dogs Teach Us

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”  — Marianne Williamson

Are you a dog lover?  I know that I am.

Animals of all kinds can bring us so much joy.  Dogs live in the present – they just are!  Dogs make the best of each moment uncluttered by the sorts of complex fears and feelings that we humans have.  They do not judge, they simply take the world around them at face value.  Yet they have been part of man’s world for an unimaginable time.

Many people live their whole lives lost in thoughts of the past and the future.  Yet, we only truly live life when we are present to the moment.  And being present means being fully conscious of what is going on so we can participate fully and appropriately in the opportunities that present themselves.

In addition to practicing being present, below are some lessons that Biscuit has taught me.  Biscuit has been a teacher to us in many ways.

1. Feel Your Feelings – Dogs always let you know how they feel.  When we avoid our feelings we end up making things worse.  This is when we enter into depression and fear.  But, if you work through your emotions, you will heal faster.

2. Forgive – No matter what happened or what someone did, it is vital to let go and forgive.  I learned this from Biscuit.  Dogs are always in a state of forgiveness.  No matter how mad you get, dogs always seem to forgive and forget.

3. Be Present in the Moment – Dogs are amazing because they live their life in the moment.  They are not concerned about the past or the future.  We can learn to be in a state of flow and let the stress fall away just like our furry companions do so well!

4. Listen – Dogs are phenomenal best friends because they are such great listeners.  Sometimes we do not need to say a word, we just need to listen.

5. Be Compassionate – Dogs are the most friendly pets because of their constant compassion for everything around them.  Whenever I have a challenging day, Biscuit is right there and he always makes me feel better.  Just being there for others and letting them be who they are supposed to be without judging is one of the best things that we can do for someone.

There is only one time that is important – NOW!  It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power.” — Leo Tolstoy