Knock on the sky and listen to the sound! —Zen Saying
All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your own
salvation with diligence … Buddha’s last words.
Zen is a kind of unlearning. It teaches you how to drop that which you have
learned, how to become unskillful again, how to become a child again, how to start existing without mind again, how to be here without any mind. — Osho
Noah, our schnauzer of 8+ years, appears to be at great peace with the world. (written with a smile) So, today, I thought I’d share the Zen of Noah as a way to honor his lively spirit … his unspoken wisdom … his apparent contentment. And while I can’t read Noah’s thoughts, I’ve observed his behavior over the years with interest and have concluded a few things along the way. Hope you enjoy this co-mingling of humor and truth, remembering the Zen of Noah is a work in progress.
- Wear something warm if only to humor others.
- Play in the snow even when cold.
- Go for a walk at least once a day, twice is better.
- Enjoy nature in stillness.
- Practice patience with humans.
- Stick with carrots for a treat.
- Stay near the kitchen during the holidays.
- Nap in sunlight — always appreciating a sunny room.
- When bored, chase squirrels, but do no harm.
- Find friends to play with, share your toys.
- Sleep in on cold snowy days or daydream a bit.
- Figure out which cupboard contains your treats, keep close watch.
- If your owner puts on her shoes, a walk may be in the offing.
- When someone takes your picture, grin and bear it.
- Develop your own kind of wisdom that is organic to your life experience.
- Forget ego, it’s merely a silly kind of nonsense, and only for the big dogs.
- If you’re a writer, quiet the voice inside that questions your ability.
- When feeling blue, stare up at the sky.
- If the television is on too loud, find another room to hang out in.
- Yoga mats are great places for morning naps.
- When perplexed, sit in silence.
- If the cat eats your food, accept what is.
- Run free when your collar is off.
- Show excitement when visitors knock at your door.
- Bark at people walking by your window to greet them properly.
- Cool, fresh water is a good thing to enjoy often.
- When cold, find a warm blanket.
- Don’t bite people.
- When a bath is necessary, stay calm.
- Stay in the now.
- Chew on your Christmas gifts, but say thank you first.
- Learn to play fetch.
- Even water is best from Starbucks.
- Shun trips outside in the black of night.
- Investigate life, remain curious.
- Trips to the vet are merely okay, but show gratitude anyway!
- If you get a new collar, show appreciation.
- When potato chips are offered, one is okay.
- Dried sweet potatoes are a good evening snack or apple slices.
- Sleep under Christmas trees.
- A little snow won’t hurt your bare feet.
- If the cat stares up at you, stay humble.
- Reflect on the day with a peaceful heart.
In the spirit of the holidays, I hope you’ve enjoyed the Zen of Noah.
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