These days there are few things that are consistent in my schedule, but taking my dog, Schroeder for a walk, is one of them. Actually, we call it a SNIFFari, which is perfect because that’s exactly what it is– an opportunity for him to smell anything and everything to his heart’s content. If someone was watching us while we went on our SNIFFari, they would really wonder if I was lost, absent-minded, or senile because we zig and zag and circle back and don’t ever seem to keep a single direction. It’s important to me to make this time all about Schroeder and for the most part I allow him to lead the way. I’m sure if he could talk he would tell me how much he appreciates being in charge and getting to read all the PEEmail that he wants. On any given day, he gets A LOT of PEEmail! I’m happy to go along with him, happy to slow down for a while and have the chance to pay attention to my surroundings.
Here are some things I’ve learned from Schroeder:
1. Slow Down! Why hurry along when there is SO MUCH to see? It’s anyone’s guess what treasures we might discover on these excursions, but safe to say I wouldn’t see many of them if I’m in a hurry to get to the “destination.” When I slow down and give myself a chance to look around I notice all kinds of interesting things such as butterflies, moths, caterpillars, cool plants, beautiful flowers, and on and on. The other day while at the French Broad River giving Schroeder a chance to get a drink and cool off in the flowing water, I looked up to see a beaver heading out across the river. I watched as he swam along towards the opposite shore. Another day I noticed a black rat snake sunning herself in the vines, and was lucky enough to enjoy the songs of a scarlet tanager in the treetops on another day. Of course there are times when we have to hurry but sometimes, schedule in some time to be slow and to look around and see what you see. And don’t forget to use your other senses too– listen to the birds, the wind, the water falling over the rocks. Touch the smooth bark of the beech tree or the soft, furry mullein leaf. Smell the tulip blossoms, the spicebush leaves, the decaying tree on the forest floor.
2. Be excited to see people, including strangers. My dog Schroeder is excited to see EVERYBODY! If I let him he would greet every single person in the vicinity and then stay to give them lots of licks. He teaches me to give people the benefit of the doubt (when it’s safe), to talk to strangers, and that it’s so easy to make someone’s day by getting excited to see them or making time for an interaction.
3. Make time for Play. Some days Schroeder might be lying on the bed sound asleep and I can go in there and say, “Want to play with your Dragon, or any of his other toys, all of which he knows by name. He looks up immediately, then jumps off the bed and rushes off to find whatever toy I just named. It might be raining, or cold, or windy, or snowing, but he doesn’t care. He is ALL IN, whenever I ask him to do anything. He is a great reminder to seize the moments when they come– someone calling to invite you to lunch or a friend asking you to an event, and that play is not just for kids and pets–people of all ages can benefit from being silly and playing.
4. Always greet your loved ones. One of my favorite things about having Schroeder is how excited he is to see me every single time– when I leave the house and return 5 minutes later, when I sit too long in my office and he comes up to tell me it’s time for a play break, when he joins me in the kitchen each morning for breakfast. Sometimes we take the special people in our lives for granted, not greeting them after a business trip, a long day, or on a busy morning, often caught up in our own things, but greeting our loved ones is such a simple way to show our love, and it’s so easy. Someday special people in your life may be gone and you’ll regret missing the chance each day to greet them and share your joy to see them.
5. Dogs are masters at living in the moment. Schroeder will happily lie in the sun on his back and do nothing. He will rest beside me while I eat my breakfast. He will enjoy belly rubs or playing a round of hide and seek with his favorite toy. Schroeder makes me put down my phone and focus on nothing other than the moment, wherever and whatever we happen to be doing. He teaches me to indulge in the moment, sans phone and other distractions.
And one bonus:
Never underestimate the power of a good nap. Inside or out, a nap is sometimes the answer.
What would you add?