But, really, who wouldn't be? She's adorable, she's sweet, she's always happy to see me, she's entertaining, she's smart and she is one of the best yoga teachers I have ever had. Although her down dog is impressive, I'm not talking about learning the physical poses from Lola. I'm talking about learning to be mindful, which, for me, is a constant challenge.
Often I move through my days so quickly, trying to meet each demand that comes my way. Finding time to just be, to take in the present moment for all its glory somehow doesn't make it to the top of my priority list, even when I try to schedule it in, which, yes, I have actually tried to do--more than once. I literally try to PLAN times to be present. And, if that is not ironic enough, I rarely actually take the time to DO IT because there is always something else to plan or schedule. It's a vicious cycle.
But, there's good news. With the right teacher, one, even a MEGAPLANNER like me, can learn to break the cycle. In fact, today, for me, the cycle was broken. And, it was Lola that taught me how.
Here's how it happened: One of Lola's favorite pastimes is to lie down on the guest bed and look out the window, keeping watch of the neighborhood. Usually, I walk by her doing this very thing several times a day. I'll stick my head in as I pass by and whisper random lovely dovey sentiments in a high-pitched voice that she has no way of understanding and continue on my way, often back to planning. But, today, Lola wagged her tail so excitedly when I passed by that I decided to take an extra moment to lie with her. I laid down on my belly, right next to her and almost instantly I became acutely aware of the warmth of her fur. I could feel her belly swell and release with each breath as it pressed against my side. And, then, all of a sudden, I was tuning into my own breath. I noticed Lola's intense focus on an object out in the yard, so I turned my attention to the yard. And all of a sudden the colors of fall flooded my vision. I was just taking it all in. Having a moment. Being present. I couldn't seem to find this stillness on my own, but Lola had shown me how.
It can be difficult to step off the merry-go-round of life for even a minute, especially as we are knee-deep in back to school time, no matter how good our intentions. But, if we look, we can find teachers all around us. Just because you're not on the mat, it doesn't mean you can't practice. You just have to find the right teacher off the mat and your practice will find you...
Animals make great teachers of important things. Our cat Bodi is a constant source of insight and inspiration. And looking at the world from his point of view is just like you describe - full of life that would have passed by unnoticed if I hadn't taken the time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to go check in with my cat (and self).