Lesson of simplicity from dogs

 


I hope this little graphic resonates with you like it does with me.
We humans are complicated creatures, compared to our dogs. We have so many things that worry and concern us in our lives, so many challenges and issues, frustrations and disappointments, responsibilities and expectations. Those are hard things to carry in our minds and hearts.
We also have plenty of successes and joys, pleasures and accomplishments. But for many of us, the negative things seem to weigh more heavily and dominate - they push the positive ones into the background, forcing us to miss out on many good things. There are occasionally times when each of us feels that in ways we seem unable to control.
Our lucky pets, on the other hand, don't feel the weight of those concerns. In their simple lives, they just live in the present and enjoy the moment.
We can learn an important lesson. There is a great "cleansing" that comes to our mind when we force ourselves, periodically, to put all the "heavy stuff" into the background and live like a dog! For me, and for many others, the opportunity to immerse into nature helps me to do that. When I am in a place of natural beauty, it's much easier to clear my mind and just feel joy. Others may find the relief in music, or in recreation, or exercise, or in service to others. Having put the burden down for a time, we often find it lighter when we pick it back up - or we find ourselves better able to carry it.
I #GiveThanks for my dog, for the lessons of the simple life, and for the power of putting life's challenges into perspective.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nature's secret maps

Image
  On a hike in the woods earlier this week, Bonnie and I noticed there were logs set across the trail now and then, probably for erosion control. But on closer inspection, we started to realize there were patterns on the logs, and on even CLOSER inspection, we started to realize that the patterns looked like trail maps! Clearly, we decided, they were secret messages for the highly observant hikers indicating the locations of spectacular secret ancient treasures!! Of course, it became necessary to follow the pattern of a couple of the secret maps. After some expert and exhaustive tracking, we excitedly came to the end where the spectacular secret ancient treasure would be, and found nothing... only this (see additional photos). Oh, wait...... I #GiveThanks for spectacular secret ancient treasures and the chance to discover them by following nature's carefully encoded maps.  
Read more

Napping in public

Image
  As I get older, a good snooze now and then is a joy and a blessing. I seem to want to enjoy that blessing more frequently! Not a thing wrong with that, especially in the circumstance shown in the first photo (thanks Matthew for the photo).... As I was in a meeting earlier today, watching those seated in front, I had some flashbacks that involved others, and perhaps myself, who struggled with the particular challenge of staying awake in that setting. I remember thinking in the past, "How rude - not a very good example for a leader to doze off in front of everyone." But later I learned how hard it can be to remain alert, when very early morning meetings and a demanding schedule can wear on your ability to endure. I guess I had to "be there" to fully appreciate the struggle. Years ago I remember reading a delightful essay by BYU English professor Richard Cracroft titled "On the Vicissitudes of Serving in the Bishopric" (such a memorable title!) in which he
Read more

Every Day is a Gift

Image
My father's mortal experience ended when I was 7 years old. He didn't get the privilege of seeing his five children mature and marry, and have children of their own, or feel the special joy of being a grandfather. I now have grandchildren the age that I was when he left us - a whole generation of extra time. So I #GiveThanks for the gift of one more day, a priceless ongoing sharing of joy.
Read more