Be Mindful
Every day is a reminder to be mindful and present. What does that mean? It means being present, paying attention to what I’m doing and focusing on the task before me. If I am doing dishes, I am enjoying the process. If I am making my bed, I am present and aware of the soft sheets and the wonderfully fresh smell of clean linens. When I am walking Benji, I am with him. I am aware of my surroundings and aware of other people and dogs.
When I had my pet-sitting business and was responsible for other dogs, I was very aware of my surroundings. I knew who was behind me, in front of me, next to me and aware of any car in my vicinity. This awareness kept my client’s dogs safe. I can’t count the number of times dogs were out loose in their front yard, young children unsupervised, cars that do not stop at lights or stop signs and owners walking their dogs and talking on their cell phones, completely unaware of anything.
I remember one incident when walking Jimmy, my ever-loveable lab/pit mix. We were passing the purple house, I mean the grape purple house. I looked in the driveway and saw the side door of the van open. Two unaware owners emerged, with two unleashed dogs following. The dogs saw me and started sprinting in my direction. Jimmy’s leash was secure, he was behind me, and I was ready. I managed to keep the dogs off Jimmy, and by the time the owners figured out what was going on, I was in full protection mode, doing whatever I could to keep them away. The owners finally grabbed the dogs by their collars and hustled them to the van. They came back to see if Jimmy was okay. He had a small scratch on his hind leg. Their response was one I’ve heard too many times. “They almost always go straight to the van.” I said, “That word almost requires a leash. If it happens again, I will report the situation.” They understood. While Jimmy and I trotted home, I made sure he was okay, and thankfully he was. I also notified the owner immediately. They trusted my analysis and thanked me. Before giving Jimmy my customary smooches, I bumped my arm on the dining room chair. It turned out that while Jimmy was okay, I was not. I had a lovely bite wound on my arm that had already turned black and blue. I am glad it was me and not my sweet Jimmy.
What prompted this post? I was out this afternoon taking Benji for his jaunty stroll around the block (yes, he goes stupid when he hears the word ‘walk’ and probably knows when I type it too). A woman on the other side of the street, walking her dog, talking on the phone and completely unaware of anything, but that phone was heading towards me. I kept my eye on the dog and the owner. I made sure the dog didn’t rip the leash out of her hand to head towards me.
It’s easy for us to be distracted and unaware of our surroundings. We try to multitask, put too much on our plates and smash as much as possible into our days. We need to stop, smell the air and take in our surroundings. Our dogs are in the moment, the smells, the breeze and the owner at the other end of the leash.
So my dear readers, take advice from your pet, focus on the moment, be present and marvel at the beautiful world around you!
Peace and mindfulness,
Joan and Benji