My Pomeranean Isle is the most implusive animal I know. Walking her daily takes all of my patience because she barks wildly at every person, vehicle, bird, or fluttering leaf she sees. She has never even nipped at a person, but when she barks foam practically emits from her mouth causing other pedistrians to cross the street to avoid her.
Isla is always straining at her leash, wanting to get ahead. She coughs and chokes as a result of her own impatience. If I had a 100 foot leash Isle would be 101 feet ahead of me. I can’t imagine she enjoys our walks, straining ahead, coughing and choking while being shushed by me when she begins barking wildy. But every morning, when I say “walk?’ Isla jumps with joy.
Watching Isla reinforces the power of savoring to appreciate the current moment. Isla can’t figure this out but as people we can.
While on a walk, I can be aware of my surroundings, the noises, the clean air, the feeling of my feet moving on the sidewalk. Becoming aware increases the satisfaction I experience.
Chewing slowly and savoring every bite, allows me to appreciate the crisp crunch and tangy flavors of an apple.
Last night my fourteen year old, Sofi, and I watched a movie in my bed. She fell asleep with me. This morning she began telling me about a funny dream she’d had. I was typing this blog while she began talking. Instead of typing while listening, I stopped to give her my full attention. I am so glad I did. Sofi’s descriptions are so clever and her face comes alive when she retells a story. Had I not given her my full attention I would have missed out.
Too often I press ahead to the next experience without fully experiencing the one currently happening. It must look silly from above. Pretty much like Isla…pulling on her leash, wheezing and coughing during this moment while getting nowhere faster to the next.
Today I will take mental snapshots of lovely moments so I can remember them later. Today, when straining to think ahead, I will pause, and return to the present moment…sucking in all the blessings it offers.
Use the power of the pause to savor your present moments today.
I wish my dog would walk with me. If I tell him that we’re going out for a walk, he looks at me with eyes that tells me: “yeah sure, I can go with you and do my “stuff”, it’ll take two-three minutes, and then I would love for us to go home so that I can sleep on my down comforter by your feet on the couch”
The only times he wants to go for a walk is if Tom is going with us
Enjoy life today Amy.
Big hugs….anne-linda
Comment by anne-linda — September 13, 2011 @ 5:51 am