Dogs are arguably man’s best friend. They have accompanied us since the dawn of time. Surprisingly, there are lots of life lessons that we can learn from them. Listen to these dog’s thoughts and learn the eight lessons that dogs can teach us about happiness:
1. “Rub my tummy, please”
How many of you dog owners agree that dog loves to be rubbed on their tummy? This very simple act alone is simple enough to make them happy. Likewise, we need to learn that happiness is actually simple.
Lesson that we can learn: Happiness is simple. It can be as simple as spending the time with people you love. So when was the last time you went out on a date with your spouse? Do not let the busyness of life prevent you from spending quality time with the people you love.
2. “I can play with the water forever, simply because i enjoy it”
Do you notice that your dog is always ready for some play time, be it chasing the ducks, playing with water, playing with balls, or throwing and catching sticks with you? They seem to never get tired while playing.
Lesson that we can learn: Play matters. Don’t allow your life to become nothing more than a series of chores and obligations. Figure out what you enjoy doing, then make it a priority at least once a week. Ride your bike, read a book, draw pictures – whatever it is that makes you smile, do that. And do it regularly.
3. “Let me curl my body near the fireplace and relax for a while”
Photo source: http://puppytime.tumblr.com/
After getting tired from playing and running around, your dog loves nothing more than curling their body beside you and just be still.
Lesson that we can learn: Happiness can be found in quiet moments. In a chaotic world, sometimes we need some personal time (or “me” time) to just sit back, be quiet, and reflect on everything.
4. “When you get home, I’m happy beyond belief”
There’s nothing quite as heartwarming as a dog who’s happy to see you. When I come home after going out to dinner, my dog’s joy is so big, she can barely contain it. It comes out in wiggles and yips as she circles our feet and races between us to greet us both, trembling with the thrill of our return. Her happiness is contagious – I catch it every time.
Lesson that we can learn: Happiness is contagious. When you’re happy, express it, and it will be reflected back to you. Smile. Fist-bump a total stranger. Post something positive on Facebook. Chat with the check-out clerk. When you express your happiness freely, the people on the receiving end get a nice little mood boost of their own, and they spread it to others.
5. “Screw it, I only have 10 year life-span, so I’ll do whatever”
Do you know that the average life-span of a dog is between 10-13 years? No wonder it seems very easy for them to make decisions. Got an interest with the female dog? Just go chase and try to woo her. Feel hungry? Nag the human so they give you food.
Lesson that we can learn: YOLO (You-Only-Live-Once) attitude. Do not wait until the perfect moment to do the things you need to do. Need to lose weight? Do not wait until the start of new year to start over again. Do it now, and you’ll be happy with the results sooner than if you postpone it.
6. “What? The neighbor dog stole my ball? Well, I don’t really mind. We can play the ball together”
When you study animal packs, there is rarely a conflict, as the members of the pack solve their problems and move on. They don’t hold a grudge or worry about what happened yesterday.
Lesson that we can learn: Do not hold grudges. Forgiveness gives us back our power, as we regain a sense of wholeness, peace, and the ability to move on with our lives.
7. “I don’t want to play ball alone, play with me please”
A dog seldom plays with the ball by herself. She can get to it any time, but the ball on its own is boring. Her joy comes in the interaction. She wants me to throw the ball. She wants me to chase her. She wants me to ask her to give it back. (She doesn’t so much want to give it back.)
Lesson that we can learn: Things won’t make you happy. People will. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and make plans to get together.
8. “Hmm, I can sense that my owner is happy, so probably I will get more food today”
Photo Source: http://drdvmd.com/human-medicine-is-going-to-the-dogs/
Many of us have not developed a sense of intuition, or we have lost touch with our intuition. We listen to words but neglect our inner feelings. We may feel uneasy about a certain situation, but neglect what our body is telling us.
Lesson that we can learn: Dogs understand what is going on beneath the surface, as they are led by their instincts and rely on their gut reactions. We have these clues as well. Hone in on your intuition and it will guide you to a life of peace and serenity.
