Doga Sutras: 10 lessons my dogs have taught me

French writer, Milan Kundera once said, “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.”

One of the most beautiful feelings in the world is waking up to a dog eagerly awaiting your arrival into the world.   In most cases, my dogs are very patient.  They tend to sleep in with me. In fact, I may have raised two of the laziest animals on the planet.  Nonetheless, seeing their smiling (yes, smiling) faces first thing in the morning or when I come home fills me with joy.  Their love erases any other thoughts I have at that moment.  I’ve learned so much from my dogs over the years, I could write a tome.  In fact, as I look back on it, they’ve been teaching me yoga for years.   But, instead of subjecting you to For Whom the Dinner Bell Tolls, I decided to write this listicle.

Here are 10 lessons my dogs have taught me:

1. Love unconditionally
2. Love yourself
3. Never feel guilty for taking naps
4. Live in the moment
5. Be humble
6. Say you’re sorry and forgive easily (including yourself)
7. Listen
8. Comfort those who need it
9. Wag your tail at everyone
10. Put your loved ones before yourself
11. Protect your family
12. Show your true feeling & be with them
13. Enjoy your toys fully
14. Walks outside are the most exciting thing in the world
15. Stop and smell the flowers, the grass, the bushes, the street, the mailbox, a stop sign, etc…

Ok, so there were 15.  I couldn’t help myself.  They were sitting right here, watching me type. Adding Doga to your asana, pranayama and meditation practice everyday is surely the way to peace.   May the biscuit lined road to bliss rise up to meet you.

Nama-woof.

– Your Charmed Dogi