While Chuck Billy is preoccupied barking at Squirrels, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about something that is important to me: mindful living.  In many of his posts Chuck Billy accuses me of not grasping the seriousness of the situation, and I’ve overheard Mom and Dad call me “nosey” on more than one occasion.  But what they don’t realize is I’m simply living in the present moment.

Rather than judge if a situation is good or bad, wrong or right, I prefer to keep an open mind and embrace the moment.  If I hear an intriguing sound, I follow it.  If something catches my attention, I stop to get a better look and perhaps even taste it.  In short, by living with an open mind and letting go of expectations, I experience the unexpected.  I can understand though how that openness can get me into trouble from time to time.  For example if my nose tells me to roll in something I just do it, without stopping to ask how Mom and Dad may react.  This has earned me more baths than I care to admit.  However once that moment has passed, I move on from the learning experience.  I don’t dwell on it.  Instead, I choose to spend my days focusing on the here and now, and not worrying about the what ifs of life or reacting to things that occurred in the past.

Funny thing about mindful living, most puppies naturally live this way.  It is only as I grow up that the “reality” of life takes over this awareness of the here and now.  As I age, I notice that I have become more conscious of the rules and consequences.  But in doing so perhaps I’m missing out on new experiences and limiting myself?  Therefore, it is my goal to continue to channel my inner puppy and carry on living mindfully, open to everything each moment has to offer.  So next time Chuck Billy accuses me of not taking a situation seriously, or Mom and Dad call me nosey, please keep an open mind.  Be more puppy!