No, I’ve not been sponsored by a well-known telecommunications giant. I have however, been spending a lot of time with the dog since I moved back up North. He’s basically the best date – he enjoys long walks in the sun, a snuggle under the blanket watching a film, he never questions me and is always pleased to see me whatever mood I may be in. Alas, he is a meat eater. And a dog. That fact has not escaped me but has, in fact, inspired me.
The teachings of Akhanda yoga focus on finding our true nature, our true self, which is fearless, blissful and playful. It has often struck me when playing with the dog that his life is so simple, and so happy. He just requires company and love, which he is always ready to accept without fear of rejection, and regular feeding and walking. If only our lives were as simple! But if you think about it, there isn’t much else we really need. Yes, we need to work to pay the bills, the mortgage, feed and clothe the kids, but if you strip away the ‘busyness’ of our lives to what we need, to what really makes us happy, I believe it is simply unconditional love and being close to nature.
During my travels I met an inspiring Mexican gal who has a fire in her belly, and a bundle of love in her heart. She had one question for me, and for every traveller who crossed her path – what is your simple happiness? Mine was and is walking. Being out in the open; feeling free; feeling thankful for my feet. Just left foot right foot. Simple. Just like the dog.
