Another Zen Moment at Waggy’s Pet Sitting
August 23rd, 2010 | Published in Opinions From Chris | 23 Comments
It was Saturday August 21st, and all morning we’ve had cloud cover making the weather just perfect for a Summer day in Folsom.
Zoey, the Beautiful Springer
At 2:30, I decided to go for a walk with Zoey the beautiful Springer Spaniel, Stella, the cute and feisty Beagle and Roxie the sweet, loving German Shepherd. After I “saddled” them all up and put in my ear buds, I set out the door for a nice leisurely walk.
Stella, the very protective (of me) Beagle
I was in a peaceful mood and all the dogs were easy walkers. Believe me, that’s a wonderful thing! The music that was playing mirrored my mood. Have you ever noticed that music has a way of doing that.
A few minutes into our walk, the sun bursts through the clouds and I could feel it beating down on my skin.
Folsom is very well known for its beautiful trails throughout the city, and my home backs up to one of the trails that winds this way through the wetlands. I decided to cut through the Elementary School field to get to the shadier areas of our walk.
Besides Zoey sniffing at every bush, blade of grass and tree, everything was going great. All of a sudden the batteries in my radio pooped out and I had to take off my ear buds. Thank God because there was a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves of the trees which is my absolute favorite sound in the world. Something about that sound gives me a sense of peace and all is well with the world.
Roxy the Sweet and humanlike Shepherd
About that time, Roxie decides that she wants to stop and rest. She lays down and I wait for her. After a while, I join her and sit down on the trail. Zoey sat down snuggled right beside me and Stella, having to be center of attention, tried to climb on my lap. So, there we sat – all four of us, in the shade in the middle of the trail just quietly resting and listening to the wind blowing through the trees. What a site we must have been.
I closed my eyes and said a grateful thank you to the powers that be.
If it wasn’t for my batteries going out, I would have missed this awesome moment.
Zen comes at the most unexpected times.
Have you had a perfect moment of Zen with your best furry buddy?
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:41 am (#)
Excellent post, Chris!! You know, that I experience zen moments daily with my boys… so happy you had this experience!
Is Norman still with you? we Need to see him!
Heidi Alberti & Atticus´s last blog ..Etch & Fetch
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 am (#)
I love how you ended your post…Zen comes at the most unexpected times. Thanks for sharing your unexpected Zen moment and inspiring me to look at life’s little inconveniences that way.
Darcie Newton´s last blog ..Do You Know What You Are Capable Of
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:36 am (#)
What wonderful imagery. Thanks. You’ve also covered a point that I ponder now and again.
When a person is listening to an iPod, radio, etc, how can they enjoy inner stillness and the reality of the world? [Thank you, Eckhart Tolle.]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm (#)
Great post! Sounds like a great place, you took me there with you. Thanks!
Jean Bentley´s last blog ..When Was The Last Time You Said Thank You to a Business
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm (#)
Hi Jean, that’s what I was hoping for – to take you there with me. Glad you liked it.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:15 pm (#)
Michael, the answer is they can’t. I would have kept my ear buds in while I was resting and never would have had that moment.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm (#)
That’s a good way to look at it Darcie. Turning life’s inconveniences into something wonderful. What do they say, when the world give you lemons……
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm (#)
Oh I so enjoyed this post – I need to take my pooches on a lovely walk and spend some quality time with them and get some zen – though Ozzie isn’t very zen like on a walk because he’s a crazy puppy
My other pooch is Roxy too – much smaller than your Roxy.
My other chance at zen will come after my girls are back at school and peace will reign in the house for a while – heaven. I love them but I also love that peace at times
Louise Edington´s last blog ..Ugly Americans or More Managing Cultural Differences
August 24th, 2010 at 1:37 pm (#)
Chris,
This was a refreshing delight to read. And, thank you for putting in the hot link leading to the definition of Zen. The overall feel of the imagery you projected was that of wholesomeness and appreciation of another rich moment experienced by our humanity.
When you mentioned about the beautiful breeze, I was immediately brought back to the mid 1970’s when I stood at the top of ski mountain during the summer months. As you described your experience, I could feel the sun, see the gorgeous mountain flowers, and smell the hot summer air. So, thank you for your trigger to a glorious memory from my past.
August 24th, 2010 at 4:22 pm (#)
Boy, could I use a Zen moment right now! I am glad yours is the blog I read just now, it helped me relax a bit. Yes, I have had those Zen moments with my kitties at different times — usually when I am in the midst of something and one approaches me with a meow, so I stop what I am doing and sit down to welcome her in my lap for a moment or two of purring and calm. Sounds wonderful — I think I will go home now!
August 25th, 2010 at 10:44 am (#)
I just got back from walking our 120lb golden retriever with my wife. Walking every morning with my wife, talking about life and our businesses is one of my great daily joys… Zen today! I can surely feel it when we don’t get our walk in!
Andrew Van Valer´s last blog ..Buy Local
August 25th, 2010 at 10:50 am (#)
120 lbs! That’s a big Golden. What a wonderful thing to do with your wife everyday. Not only can you get Zen, but your relationship benefits also.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:52 am (#)
Glad I could help Donna. I used to watch a cat and for the whole time I’d just sit and pet him on my lap. It made me have to stop and just be. I loved it. The purring helps too.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:53 am (#)
What a wonderful image Sasha. I’m sure it was a beautiful moment!
August 25th, 2010 at 10:54 am (#)
I hear you Louise about having your kids at school. Mine went back 3 weeks ago and it is heaven.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:07 pm (#)
I know I’ve had many of those times where I work it so that it’s perfect and then it gets interrupted.
It’s that moment of choice that brings in the power and it really can be more satisfying.
Thanks Chris for a wonderful post. I felt like I was there.
Bill Browning´s last blog ..Congratulations! Its a Business
August 25th, 2010 at 3:38 pm (#)
(Chris- my comment was apparently eaten first time around. If both show up, please delete one!)
I loved the calmness brought about by just reading your post.
I often wonder whether the generations growing up now, and only knowing technology, are going to lose their ability to recognize and appreciate a zen moment when it hits them in the face (their batteries run out). Being able to recognize those moments of stillness are a gift.
Zen should be a required course in every school.
Candace Davenport
Our Little Books- Little Books with a Big Message
August 25th, 2010 at 4:07 pm (#)
Hi Candace, I never thought of that, but you’re probably right. My kids are always in front of a tv, computer or phone!!
August 25th, 2010 at 4:09 pm (#)
Hi Bill, after I work out, I have to go in the cycle room to meditate because I know if I wait until I get home, I’ll be interrupted. Glad you liked the post.
August 25th, 2010 at 6:11 pm (#)
Sweet
I could picture it clearly, sounds like a great day. I have had those beautiful moments with my cat, sometimes followed by a “love bite” (WHY do cats do that, anyway?) Having those moments with my daughter is even better…and no biting – lol!
Brandy Mychals
August 25th, 2010 at 7:23 pm (#)
Love this! Those little moments are priceless!
August 26th, 2010 at 7:28 am (#)
Yes, they are Hope. I know I need more of them in my life!!
August 26th, 2010 at 7:29 am (#)
Brandy, I know what you mean about cats. I’ve never had one, but I take care of them sometimes. It’s such a crap shoot – either they are nice or they’ll bite you. You never really know. Having those moments with your daughter is much better and priceless.