Little Messages Everywhere

I don’t have to tell you that we are living through extraordinary times that challenge our emotional stability and can chip away at our sense of hope for the future.

But, regardless of this scenario do you see the little messages everywhere? Those life-enhancing moments that surround us, which we often ignore? Maybe it’s a bumper sticker reminding you about random acts of kindness, or a song that pops up and transports you to a more meaningful time, or a hummingbird fluttering outside your window that captivates you and brings a smile.

In my small community just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, I find messages as I hike through the green belts with my dog, Grace. Sometimes, I find signs that a kind stranger has left on the trail filled with inspiring quotes or positive thoughts. But the longer I walk, the more I realize that nature is the bearer of even deeper messages, and when we tune into that frequency, it can transform our day for the better.

Becoming Dog

During our daily walks together, I take time to experience the journey more as Grace does – through my five senses. Like a meditative practice, I focus on one of my senses to pull me away from my worries. This morning, I chose touch.

As I watched Grace trot down the dirt trail, I became aware of the damp earth, moistened from the evening monsoon, giving a little under my every footstep. Like an invigorating shower, the wind, fresh and crisp, swept across my arms and face. When my hand lingered at my side, Grace’s plush muzzle slipped into it. I looked down at her and she was looking up into my eyes, her unconditional love as palpable as anything else I physically felt.

Once I finish focusing on my external senses, I go internally to see how I feel. This morning I was surprised to find some sadness I was previously unaware of. It’s always a challenge to feel our negative emotions; those feelings we’d prefer to hide from others. But I was glad sadness made itself known to me because our emotions, unrecognized and not honored, over time can grow into something bigger like a verbal lashing at your partner for not washing the dishes:)

The Wonderful World of Now

Focusing on our senses is an easy, enriching, and powerful practice that brings us to the most important place we can visit during our day – the here and now. Something transformational happens when you become mindful of the present. It’s as if you’re transported to another world where time becomes more expansive, your heart feels a little lighter, and it feels great to be alive. We may be social distancing and not traveling because of COVID-19, but every day you can travel to the now which is always available to us for the price of a little mindfulness.

Going on daily hikes together enriches my relationship with Grace but you don’t have to be on a hike to find the little messages everywhere. You don’t even have to have a dog (though it’s a lot more fun and rewarding if you do!). These messages from nature, from our community, and from our own deep wisdom, surround us at every turn. But just like a radio broadcast, it’s up to each of us to turn the dial on, tune in to those little messages – and listen.

Stay Pawsitive,

Carlyn MDO 💜

Ps: What is one little message that you’ve seen this week that has inspired you?