Have you ever noticed chipmunks, how they run around with apparently no agenda? No plan? Even squirrels on occasion stop their nuttiness to consider their next move, albeit with spastic tails. And then there are cats: methodical and meditative hunters. Dogs are just goofy and fun-loving. Nothing going on upstairs, eager to join their owner any time for a walk. (Ok, sorry, dog lovers, I’m sure I just insulted somebody.)

My point is, we can look to the paws of nature to consider our own behavior. Are we like chipmunks racing from meeting to meeting, while checking email, our minds miles ahead about completing the next task on our must-do list, stopping briefly for lunch or only at the end of the day after we’ve cooked dinner for our loved ones, tucked in the little ones, and finally plopped on the couch like a dead fish, too tired to search for the remote? 

Thank goodness we don’t have to keep track of our breathing and heart rate throughout this mindless mess! What is wrong with this picture?!

Let’s paws. I mean, let’s pause to consider the answers.

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Stop, and smell the roses.” It means pause long enough to enjoy, notice, and appreciate the loveliness of life, the things we often miss. It calls for us to be mindful, rather than mind full.

When we are mindful, fewer accidents happen. Fewer hurtful things are said. We invite more space for clarity. We can approach a stressful situation with care and compassion, allowing for differences of opinion. 

Next time we notice our spastic behavior, let’s pause. Breathe. Count our gathered nuts, appreciate our bounty, and be methodical and meditative about our next move. 

Go for a walk.