"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.
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