This morning I grabbed my camera and stepped outside to take a picture of some flowers.
When I turned around to head back in there was Kylie looking so adorably sweet that I just had to catch her loving spirit.
I love how you can see the inside and outside in this reflective photo. But what I love most is how I can’t help but get lost in the deep, soulful eyes of one of the most magnanimous, loving creatures I’ve ever known.
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I picture Snoopy when I think of simplicity. His little stick with a bandana tied to the end forming a sack with just his few belongings – likely just his dog bowls and some food – and perhaps a bit of bird seed for his sidekick Woodstock.
He could go anywhere, really— explore the world with just a few basic needs.
For many years now I’ve been trying to simplify my life. Unloading stuff that is no longer necessary – many of which were really never necessary to begin with. But at the time I just felt I had to have.
I’ve gotten better at living more simply and I continue to make strides. For me, this means really consciously thinking about what I bring into my home and about the purchases I make.
There is something so enticing about simplicity that Dog never needs to change their outfit. They are beautiful just as they are.
They don’t worry about what shampoo to buy, what makeup to wear or new trends that come out. What you see, is what you get with them.
Though there are many elaborate dog houses out on the market, I think if they could speak and we humans would listen, it isn’t what matters to them. They just want a soft place to lay next to the master they love.
I believe in all their many ways of being that Dog conveys to us to keep it simple. Like just going for walk with them – the simplicity in that brings so much joy for me. Or just sitting with them on the floor or sofa. That’s it, plain and simple – just being in the presence with each other – nothing else needed.
Simple, simple, simple = joy, joy, joy = more freedom.
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Today as I was trying to do my final yoga cool down stretches, Miss Gidget was having nothing of it. She wanted to be pet. She kept pushing her head into my hands as I tried doing pigeon pose.
So I gave up.
Then as I tried to roll up my mat, she wouldn’t budge. I’d roll it a little ways and she reluctantly would only move an inch or two. Little by little I tried to roll up my yoga mat with this wee little dog trying everything to get my attention. “Hey little one,” I said. “You are testing my patience today.”
But then I realized her sweet message to me. Just pause a moment longer. As if she was saying, sit in this moment with me. Drink it all in. This moment, right here, right now, with my adoring eyes looking into yours is all that matters.
We silly humans we always have our agendas, don’t we? I know patience isn’t always my strong suit when my day does not unfold as I had “planned.” But I’ve sure gotten much better about it over the years thanks in big part to my dogs.
And oh, how sweet it was to linger just a few moments longer before I got on with my day. And another notch stronger in the patience department I am for it.
Smart dog, Gidget. Smart dog.
This is part of a weekly series of lessons I’ve learned from my dogs, and/or something I feel they are trying to teach us. I welcome your thoughts on any of the lessons or teachings that resonate with you.
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Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!