There's a little measure of life's wisdom in each furry canine.
Does living in the present mean we should forget the past and ignore the future? Instead, how about a positive spin on that approach? Take inventory of your past experiences, learn from them, then 'let it go.' An occasional revisit to reminiscent childhood memories can warm the heart. But too often, we dwell in the past, reliving a choice or an event over and over again. We let these thoughts haunt us, as we wonder "Should I have made a different choice?" or "How would that have changed my life?"
One thing in life is certain; we have no control over the past. It is what it is, accept it, and move on. Dwelling in the past is a behavior that can steal our ability to be present, and ultimately, rob us of our enjoyment of life. As far as the future, planning for a rainy day or retirement is wise, but don't get caught up in obsessive planning or worry. That will surely keep you from being present. If only we could easily learn to be happy - if only we could learn to dwell in the present, and live life fully each and every day. Meditation may be the answer.
Learning to be present: How meditation retrains your brain.
Meditation acts much like a bridge to wisdom, it can train the mind, body, and spirit to relax with very little effort. Regular practice actually frees us to be in tune with the natural rhythm and flow of life. When we dissolve the tension and penned up stress through meditation, we naturally dwell in a joyful state. We appreciate more; we feel more. As we become more present, we become playful and spontaneous.
The best part is your pet will most likely join in on your daily meditations. This could very well be your first group meditation experience (smiles). Pets seem to know what to do. They will stay close to you, and usually remain still and quiet. It's almost as if they are soaking up the good vibes of the moment.
Yes, we can certainly learn a great deal about life from our beloved pets, and from the ancient wisdom and practice of meditation. And now that you've read this article, you might just take a second look at your pet and recognize the wisdom behind those soulful eyes. And the next time your pet wants you to play, you just might seize the moment and say, "Let's go."
In memory of Fergie and Beau.
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www.DASAmeditation.org