Puppies & Enlightenment

Dear Yogis,

I am writing to let you know that I have failed.

Actually, to be more precise, I "foster-failed." For clarity, this is when you fall in love with your foster dog and can't imagine giving him up, so you adopt him yourself.

Admittedly, since returning from Spain two weeks ago, I have been consumed by and obsessed with everything relating to this adorable and incredible being.

It has been 5 years since we adopted a puppy.

We occasionally have 8-week-old foster puppies, but they are just passing through on their way to their "fur-ever" homes. They stay about a week, and I get to snuggle them and teach them some basic manners, but I'm not consumed with them every minute of the day like I am with our new puppy, Bear.

The fact is, raising a puppy is a HUGE responsibility. It's not unlike raising kids, but your window is far shorter, only about a year-long, so there is less margin for error ;)

The cute antics of a puppy usually translate to obnoxious behavior when grown up--(think of leash biting and jumping up for attention).

And like all new mothers, my days and nights are taken up with getting him on a regular schedule of feeding, walking, playing, napping, repeat.

Whatever else is going on, I'm still thinking about him, watching him, tuning into his needs, and holding him in my attention.

He has become my Dharana--the practice of intense concentration and the 6th of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. In brief, Dharana is where the practitioner focuses on one thing. It is a practice that helps train the mind in stillness and focus.

The 7th Limb is Dhyana: A state of keen awareness without focus. It is peaceful and meditative, without attachment. Daily, I find that both Bear and I are in this state together. For example, if he is sleeping and I walk out of the room, he will appear behind me within a minute. This is because he was both sleeping and passively aware of my presence, so he KNEW THAT I LEFT THE ROOM. Aren't puppies the best?

I have the same experience with him when I, without seeing him, know he has to go to the bathroom or is about to make a bad choice. Just because I am in a state of connection with him, without judgment.

Athletes and artists experience this as the flow state.

Yoga can get you to this phase.

The 8th and final stage is Samadhi - also known as a state of Bliss, or Enlightenment. One experiences transcendence and connectivity with all things.

Complete integration of mind, body, and breath.

You may have caught a glimpse of Samadhi in deep meditation, yoga Nidra, or some other transcendental life experience.

So, if you want more "yoga" in your life that is "off the mat," or you would like a shortcut to enlightenment, I fully endorse adopting a puppy.

However, or additionally, if you want more "yoga" in your life, "on the mat," scroll down for many offerings.

With so much love from both of us,

Kari and Bear