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Mindset Like a Dog

This morning after getting the kids off to school I decided to take my dogs for a longer than usual hike on our local mountain. I took a couple big swigs of water, layered up, added hat and gloves, and headed out the gate.

The dogs knew what was up and bounced around me, excited and eager for whatever lay ahead. Yet every time they see me putting on my boots it’s like they have never been walked before. Their excitement is fresh. Every day.

How is it that they have no idea how long or short I am going to walk them, yet they are always down to walk? I never have to prod them out of their lethargy.  Rain, snow, or sun, they are ready.  Anytime. This got me to wondering what if I adopted this dog mindset? What exactly would that feel like?

*******

Recently I’ve felt flat. Not super inspired.  I’m attempting to increase my client base as a Mindset Coach and honestly renovating a 200-year-old house like in my former life feels markedly easier than landing new clients.

  It’s the end of February so maybe that contributes to this sense of same old routine, that flatness.  Same old mindset.  It feels like work to keep my body and mind in a positive and uplifted place.  Should it be work? Or maybe something else?

*******

I walked down the dirt lane that leads to the trails and as I watched the dogs trotting ahead this thought occurred to me: what do they know that I don’t?

What would that feel like to live their mindset?  I watched them closely to see what wisdom they would impart.

Here’s what I saw-

*They are always ready for whatever adventure lies ahead. No story about what it will be like – just totally present.

*They are constantly curious…nose to the ground downloading various smells.

*When I stop and take in the view they also stop, sit, and perceive.

*This feeling of presence that they convey – not living in the past or speculating about the future. Right now.  Are we running? Resting? Ok great…we are here. Now.

*******

As I did my best to merge with these dogs and their way of being I saw how easily I derail myself from this place of “now”.  How I take myself out of perceiving what is around me, what new experiences are available, without the past or future concerns influencing me and the ability to be completely present with the moment.

How I can I too be curious about the path I am on – nose metaphorically to the ground receiving information about my surroundings, my world?

What if each day that I wake up I channel that same excitement my dogs do when they know a walk is coming?

Semper paratus for what Life brings. Woof.

*******

Now can I get a biscuit for being a good boy?!!!

  Jamie Gilroy is a Mindset Coach working with men to unlock their fullest potential. Are you looking to tweak and improve some issues in your life? Are you interested in a free clarity call to investigate working with Jamie? Email him at jbgilroy@icloud.com Check out his website to learn more about the work he does: https://jamesbgilroy.com

Comments

Meghan Gilroy said…
So well written! Woof! And thanks for the present you brought back.
February 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM
Until the Next Time said…
Beautiful reflection Jamie! And such a beautiful way to practice living our lives!
February 28, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Hubz Team said…
Barkelous!!! Exactemente!!!
March 1, 2024 at 10:23 AM
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