I have always had a deep fondness for dogs and they for me. I’ve been blessed with many canine pals–kindred spirits who have provided me with companionship, comfort, safety and a model of how to enjoy life on this playground/planet. Perhaps it’s their willingness to play despite their noble sense of service that appeals to me. Maybe it’s their spirit of devotion and their present-moment enthusiasm for life. Dogs waste no time regretting the past or worrying about the future–an approach to emotional and mental peace worth emulating! They use their focus and energy to fully engage in the moment.
As a proficient physical, emotional and intuitive empath; I read dogs well because I read bodies well. You needn’t observe a dog for long to conclude it is a sentient being. Like us, dogs experience the world through their senses. They are masters of their bodies and use it efficiently. Dogs live such an embodied life and are quite expressive. Even a less perceptive person can usually recognize if a dog is happy, content, angry, injured, etc. It’s wise to know a dog’s state before approaching it.
In the same vein as the questions “What would Jesus do?” and “What would Buddha do?”, I love the question “What would Scooby do?”, for there is wisdom in the ways of a dog. Their message is that of loyalty and service, of compassion and tolerance and of free-spirited playfulness. They are in tune with their needs, trust their instincts and are not shy about tending to their bodies.
We can take inspiration from our canine friends about self-care and well-being. In my “Dog Days of Summer” series on Wellness with Millie’s Instagram and Facebook pages, I shared wellness tips from dogs’ perspectives. Dogs are straight forward about meeting their needs such as stretching, movement, hydration, resting, eliminating and personal hygiene. When it comes to spontaneous outbursts of self-expression, they are undaunted by who might be watching or what others might be thinking. Dogs are all-around healthy role models for a balanced wellness lifestyle.
It is understandable that dogs have come to be known as “(hu)man’s best friend”, as they are the epitome of qualities on which good friendship is built. You can always expect them to be themselves. They will greet you with enthusiasm and display affection for you if you are not perceived as a threat. They are usually game for playfulness and joy-filled exercise. They will let you know if you are invading their boundaries, and they do not hold grudges. They are furry bundles of unconditional love and loyalty with much to teach us about how to be a good friend. Like our bodies, dogs express themselves honestly.
One way or another, dogs have always been providing a service to humankind. What was once a more crucial role for survival in the form of protection, hunting and warmth is now more about enhancing the quality of life on an emotional level as “one of the family”. Their faithful devotion is ever-present while demanding little in return, an interesting parallel to how I see the human body. The world is a better place because of dogs—a worthy legacy for us to aspire.
With a change of seasons upon us, our routines and physical needs are likely also changing. Remember to meet your body’s needs with the common sensical manner of a dog and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with a playful spirit:
- Let your focus be in the moment.
- Always be yourself.
- Drink lots of water.
- Stretch upon rising.
- Give a friend an excuse to take a walk.
- Let fresh air feel like ecstasy.
- Seek out playful exercise.
- Make nature your playground.
- When you’re happy, get your entire body involved.
- Have a curiosity about your surroundings.
- Actively engage your senses.
- Assert your boundaries.
- Avoid biting when a growl is enough.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm (remembering to chew!)
- Scratch your itches.
- Tend to your wounds.
- Let people touch you (after they wash their hands!)
- Shower your friends with appreciation.
- Accept invitations to play.
- Revel in unabashed self-expression.
- Bring joy to the lives of others.
- Rest often; sleep deeply.
Inspired by and liberally adapted/amended from a poem I read decades ago. It may have been called “Things We Can Learn from a Dog”, author unknown.
