01/07/2022
There is no such thing as doing nothing.
You body is working hard constantly. Your mind is continually processing. Doing nothing is impossible.
So let's stop feeling guilty about it.
We have been brought up in a society where working hard is highly respected, It's a measuring stick of success. It's also a stick that often ends up beating us.
Consumerism continues to fuel our need to make more money. We still often identify ourselves through what we own not what we do. And yet we still feel empty even when we own that perfect house, the perfect wardrobe and the fastest car.
Being still is not being lazy.
Finding a balance does not mean you have failed.
Not being at the top in your career does not reflect your success.
I often feel that this mentality is one of the biggest shifts in history that has contributed to so many behaviour issues in our dogs.
The idea that our dogs should be 'doing' all the time. With many issues being blamed on not walking them enough, not entertaining them.
Our dogs are amazing at NOT doing. They do not need status, they do not care if their new toy cost you a days wages or is a few treats wrapped in a toilet roll. They are just as happy in a homemade coat made out of an old rug as they are in a fancy brand. They just care about the warmth.
They appear to need to run around like loons because our lifestyle often doesnt fit in with their basic needs of being a dog.
So dont feel guilty when it's too hot to walk them. When you feel like having a duvet day.
Spend time with them.
Allow them to sniff, even if its something you think is disgusting.
Let them forage, even try foraging with them.
Let them dig holes, and if you dont want it to be your best Rose's, create a place where they can.
Let them stick their head in your shopping bag.
Let them snuggle into you on the sofa.
Let them get filthy in muddy puddles.
Let them make mistakes.
We could learn a lot by the joy they get from the simple pleasures in life. Let them teach you that fancy sofas and fast cars are not what make us happy.
By reducing the need for material things, we gain time. A precious thing that we will all run out of eventually. Just spending time alone in your own thoughts or spending time with your loved ones, both human and dogs is not doing nothing! It is everything!
