The Zen of Dogs: 7 Wonderful Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog Mindfulness

In honor of dogs everywhere, I’m reviving this list of life lessons I learned from my sweet Candace. I am forever a better human because of her simple wisdom:

1. Go for a walk every day. It’s good for your body and your spirit.
2. Treat every walk like it’s your first – and your last. Even when you walk the same path, there is always something new to see.
3. Always greet loved ones with a smile and a wagging tail.
4. Always greet strangers with a smile and a wagging tail.
5. A little cheese goes a long way! Kibble or vegetables, it’s all better with a little cheese.
6. On a sunny day, drop everything and lay on the patio.
7. When someone is sad, be right there. No advice or wisdom needed, just sit with them in their sadness so they know they aren’t alone.

Dogs and Mindfulness

Dogs can be good for our health, too. "Mindfulness has garnered tremendous interest over the past decade. Research suggests that mindfulness – the ability to live each moment as it unfolds and accept it without judgment – can help reduce stress and enhance health ... Perhaps one of the greatest psychological benefits of interacting with a dog is the opportunity it provides to be more mindful – to purposely focus your attention on the present moment." (Harvard Health)

Hug your dog!

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