While I often talk about mindlessness, I want to acknowledge that there are also deeply mindful moments woven into our everyday lives—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Every morning, I rise early for my daily practice, accompanied by a warm cup of tea. Without fail, my sleepy beagle puppy eventually drags herself into the room, eyes half-closed, and with an endearing determination, she hops up to join me. She expects a big, heartfelt hug before curling up beside me, resting her head gently on my lap, and drifting back into her dreams.
My favorite moments are when she enters the dream world so vividly that her little feet twitch as if she’s chasing something, accompanied by a soft, whisper-like baying sound woven into her snores.
This morning, I paused and truly noticed how much joy her simple presence brings me. On days when she sleeps in and doesn’t join me, I genuinely miss her company. Yet my heart can’t help but smile when she interrupts my routine—leaping onto my right side, casually strolling over my books and papers, and finally settling contentedly on my left.
Her companionship is a lesson in mindfulness. She doesn’t just sit quietly beside me; she anchors me in the present moment. Even when I’m deep in thought, her gentle presence pulls me back to the now, wrapped in warmth and love.
She has an uncanny ability to sense when I need comfort. Without hesitation, she jumps up beside me, leans her small body into my chest, and patiently waits for a hug. What makes me chuckle is that she often lets out a little grumble as I embrace her—a sound that’s part protest, part affection—but she never pulls away. It’s as if she instinctively knows that, grumbles aside, that hug is exactly what I need.
Puppy joy is the best. It’s pure, unfiltered, and a beautiful reminder that mindfulness isn’t always about silence or solitude. Sometimes, it’s found in the soft sigh of a sleeping puppy, the warmth of an unexpected cuddle, or the simple act of being fully present with a friend—even if that friend has floppy ears and a wagging tail.
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