"I had never been good at practicing mindfulness, or being
mindful--period--until I got a dog. Observing your breath, extolled as the
surefire way to become present, left me in such a deep state of hyperventilation
I quickly wanted a break from taking a break. I was in constant, anxious
movement, starting projects but never finishing them, leaving things halfway
done, forgetting items, moving from one thing to the next, constantly
apprehensive. But then I got George Lucas: a miniature schnauzer that was the
doppelganger of the Star Wars director, down to the salt-and-pepper beard and
pensive dark eyes."
This lovely piece from Parabola magazine shares a story of mindfulness,
connection and a canine teacher.
