Lessons from Harper

Harper is my second dog as an adult human. I am a far better human, being owned by her. I am also convinced that collectively for 16 years and counting, my canines have moved into our home to began their divine purpose; their unending studying of me in order that I can first and last, keep paying attention.

"You have a bit to learn in this life if you are to have joy. Fear not, I'm here to help you. You have hurts, but you are not meant to live wounded. I have been watching you and I will spend my life studying and loving you. I know what you need and I know what to do. I am here to teach you how to pay attention.”
(I will also teach you how to smile really big.)

 ~ Harper canine, keeper of me. She also sounds a lot like God. :)

Inside attention and intention, we experience the richness of living. With disciplined intensity, close and oftentimes uncomfortable scrutiny, patience far beyond human, she makes her way past my exterior protective wrappings. She is teacher, tour guide, lover of the outdoors, modeler of life-in-the-moment, fully committed to but a mere blink, yet it is the place where joy happens to us. One moment at a time, we grow in appreciation and awe. She is queen of observation for the wonders of nature and the life it keeps. When I've lost my way, when my head hangs low, when I've spent far too much time in congested thinking, when I've lost my attention span toward growth and forgiveness, when I've lost my childlike awe for wonders, she never counts how many times she's reminded me back. Her lessons come with patience and tenacity. Her lessons come with not a single condition tied. Divinely fierce and loyal love woven inside each one can't help but bring my attention.

If we are ever to make the changes we want to make, if we are to heal and move our lives forward for joy, we have to be willing to pay attention.

On our mats, we learn to focus to awareness. Awareness gives life to attention and attention finds intention and we soar on joy's wings.

I wish you joy in this season. I wish you refuge on your mats.
We’ll meet on the mat as we experience both together,
Jill🧘🏻‍♀️