03. Remembering to Exhale and Hoping for Cheese

November 2008. 

I am sitting here in our home, writing. My dog Grover is collapsed in the easy chair beside me. He is nestled against the chairs arm with remnants of dogchow, lake water, dirt and good ole drool buried into his furry face all of which are now smothered into the arm of the family room chair. He is spent, content, full and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. It is very quiet, no music on, no TV and as I watch him I can see his little body expand and contract slowly with every breath he takes.

But there is something else I am noticing; it is so quiet right now I can also hear his tiniest moves. I am struck with his calmness as with every fourth breath he exhales, he releases a faint sigh and sinks further into the comforts of his chosen nap time spot. He slips so easily into this rhythm that I am envious. Here he is resting, completely limp, tuning out the world around him, but yet still awake. He can still react and spring into action in a moments notice if needed. If there was a knock at the door, a call of his name or better yet, the opening of the fridge which holds the treasure of cheese he would be there. Alert and prepared, Gotta love that tenacity. His morning has gone well as he got to accomplish all his favourite routines and it isn't even noon yet.

Here's how the day has unfolded for Grover thus far. He slept in our son's room til 7am, moved over to the big bed and cuddled with me when my husband got up for his shower. Went outside for a stretch, sniff and lawn watering before 7:30 am abefore coming back in the house to watch the morning breakfast ritual of a family scurrying, kettle whistling, toast popping, newspaper rustling, and bag lunches being made. While all this goes on there is the inevitable floor drop of 'something good' in the form of human food treats. Today included not only the usual cheese from sandwich preparation but leftover turkey complete with gravy and fat from yesterday’s thanksgiving meal. After that, car ride! For Grover, there is nothing better than riding in the front seat wedged between passenger and door, head out the window, with the wind in his fur and tongue flapping in the breeze. Not only does this feel good on his face but for him it's a great way to get noticed and attract smiles from passers-by. Next, drop passenger off at school, run a few errands with driver and then down to the lake for a morning walk. Meet other dogs, say hi, mark territory everywhere possibly can, cool off in mud puddles, smell lots of things, come home, eat dog food, slurp water, lie down and rest.
As I write this down, and recant his day so far I am coming to the bizarre realization there's a lot I can learn from my dog, important life skills that somehow I missed noticing before.

So if you will indulge me, here it goes...

1. Time is of the essence. Don't be afraid to seize opportunities when they present themselves. Grover figured out there would be a warm spot on a big comfortable bed and a guaranteed cuddle if he arrived at the precise time he heard the first shower of the day by someone in the household. Any earlier, he would be turned away, any later; the warm spot would be cool. Good lesson. Do your research, observe carefully and be ready to act.

2. Perseverance is a virtue. In life, If you really want something, you're going to have to let it be known, be prepared to work for it and sometimes you might have to beg. Grover understands if its cheese he wants, he has to be there when the fridge door is opened. Yes, there is only a 1 in 10 chance that this fridge opening will be the one that gets him cheese, but if he's not there, wagging the tail, or quietly perched on his back legs, eyes focused and ready to receive it's definitely not going to happen. Perseverance increases his chances for cheese.

3. Express and share your joy. It's not everyday you get to ride in the front seat of life, on a nice sunny day, heading exactly where you wanted to go so when it happens enjoy it. Roll down the windows and stick your neck out, smile, take it all in, let others see how you feel, and don't worry what it looks like from others passing by. Joy is contagious, it bubbles from within and spreads quickly when expressed and shared honestly without hesitation.

4. Remember to exhale. Life can move fast. The pace in which we choose to navigate our lives in could at times be described as ludicrous. Errands and must-dos and perceived obligations and worries are out of proportion to the real task at hand. Live life, breathe it in each day but don't forget to exhale too. Breathing out, exhaling empties that which is leftover and lingering within. It allows us to clear much needed space and to receive. Be that the next breath of air we take or the next adventure we face in life.

There you have it. What a concept and hey, maybe it is just that simple  It is still quiet as I write. Grover is still settled into his easy chair and from my view I see his whiskers flutter with every audible sigh that he releases. When he rises I know his tail will wag and his eyes will light up. Most importantly, he will be focused and ready to receive whatever life throws him. He is just hoping that it somehow includes cheese.