Let’s be honest: if your New Year’s resolutions didn’t involve spending more time in the moment, you’re probably overdue for a reset (again). As you scramble to check off your never-ending to-do list, your dog is over there, living their best life, fully immersed in the present. They’re not worried about tomorrow, the email you forgot to send, or the dishes piling up - they’re completely absorbed in the now as if they’ve mastered the art of mindfulness better than any Yoga Guru. If only we could take a page out of their book!

Have you ever watched your dog stare intently at a treat, eyes locked, tail twitching ever so slightly, their entire being focused on that biscuit like it’s the most important thing in the universe? Now compare that to your inner monologue, which might be something like: “Am I eating enough vegetables? Am I meant to be picking my child up? What’s the weather this weekend? Oh, look, a bird! Wait, what was I thinking about again?”
Dogs have this amazing ability to live in the now. They’re not dwelling on whether they’ll get fed their tea later on or stressing about the walk they just had - they are fully engaged with the treat *in front of them*.
It’s like watching a zen master at work, only with way more drooling and an occasional *whine* to remind you that, yes, they're still here and they’re still waiting for that treat.

The Zen Master of Treats

This is the best example of this “paws and reflect” behaviour. When you hold a treat just out of reach. Your dog’s focus is laser sharp. They’re not thinking about how long it’s been since their last meal or whether they’ll get to play with their favourite tennis ball later. They’re simply immersed in that single, glorious moment where treat = ultimate happiness. That treat may be only 3 inches from their nose, but to them, it might as well be on the moon for all the patience they have.

Now, compare this to us humans. If we had to sit still for even a few minutes with only a piece of chocolate to focus on, our minds would be racing. We’d probably find ourselves thinking about work deadlines, our ever-growing shopping list, whether we left the oven on, whether we replied to that email, or which friend we’re going to text about that one thing we forgot to do last week.

Yet your dog? Just that treat.

Their whole world is wrapped up in that moment.

No distractions.

No worries.

Just pure, focused zen.

Why Can’t We Be More Like Dogs?

Dogs have figured out the key to mindfulness: they live in the moment. They don’t worry about what happened an hour ago or stress about the possibility of an empty bowl later. They know how to embrace the present with all their senses, from the smell of the grass on their walk to the feel of the wind in their fur. We, on the other hand, are constantly juggling multiple tasks, trying to stay on top of deadlines, messages, families, and notifications. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, we’ve become experts at multitasking - but at the expense of truly being present. We’re glued to our screens, constantly thinking about what we need to do next or what we missed earlier. It’s no wonder we struggle to slow down and take a deep breath.

So, what can we learn from our furry friends? Dogs show us that mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated.

It’s about focusing on what’s in front of you - whether that’s a treat, a person, or just the warmth of the sun on your face. They remind us that life isn’t about the endless to-do lists or the “what-ifs”; it’s about the right now. In our world of constant distractions and noise, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of things. But dogs teach us that it’s okay to pause, to savour the moment, and to let go of all the clutter in our minds.

So, the next time you find yourself getting distracted by your thoughts or feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of life, try channelling your inner dog. Focus on what matters at the moment and let everything else fall away (treats optional, but highly recommended). Take a moment to breathe, to fully experience the world around you, and to embrace the present with all the mindfulness of your favourite four-legged companion.

A Pawsitive Challenge

If your dog can sit calmly, eyes fixed on a treat, then surely you can take a moment to reflect, even if it’s just for a minute. So, try this: the next time you’re walking your dog, or even just sitting on the settee with them, focus entirely on the present. Feel the ground beneath your feet, hear the sounds around you, and appreciate the simplicity of the moment.

Let your mind just be, rather than racing ahead to your next task.

Next time you're playing with your kids, take a few extra seconds to truly watch listen to what they’re doing and saying, without thinking about the laundry or your emails. If someone calls while you're in the middle of something else, switch off from the ‘coffuffle’ and really listen to them, taking the time to relax and engage fully. When you're petting your dog, linger for that extra minute – feel their soft fur, notice the warmth, and enjoy the connection. Or, when you step outside, pause for a moment to look around: breathe in the sky, the trees, and the hustle of life, and recognise how much beauty is right in front of you. The glimmers!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of life and forget to pause, but when we make time for these small moments, we can truly embrace the now. So, if you find yourself lost in your to-do list or thinking about your next meal, glance at your dog – because in that moment, they’ve already mastered being fully present.

Maybe we could all take a few notes from their "in the moment" approach to life.

Here’s to being more like our dogs in 2025: less worrying, more ‘Paws and Reflect’ mindfulness. 🐾