zm030502

REFLECTIONS OF A ZEN MASTER

By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

OPEN YOUR SENSES AND SNIFF THE WIND

Misty was a master of relaxation and the simple pleasures in life. She'd bask in the sun, keep an ear perked for the songs of birds (or the ruffle of her Fishies bag), and nuzzle into the softest, fuzziest blanket she could find. She always kept her little nose alert for the various scents that would sneak in through an open window. It didn't matter if it was the fragrance of Hyacinths in the spring, Magnolias in the summer, dried leaves in the fall, or wet tree bark in the winter. Living near several restaurants, she was also very receptive to the scent of Chinese, Mexican, and Italian cuisine, along with seafood, grilled burgers and fresh brewed coffee. No matter what it was, Misty opened her senses and took it all in. I think that's one of the reasons she was always so content. She allowed herself to experience everything fully.

Human beings tend to get busy and ignore our senses or rely solely on the visual. Yet our sense of touch, taste, sound and smell are equally important. It's our senses that help us make sense of the world around us. Not only make sense of our world, but really experience it in the most pleasurable way. When's the last time you took a walk and paid attention to the sound of your feet against the pavement or grass, the scurrying of squirrels or the babble of a brook? When's the last time you noticed the scents carried in a gentle breeze? Some of my favorite childhood memories are of walking on a summer night and smelling lilacs on the wind, or taking in the fragrance of fresh raspberries as we passed a wild grove of them along the railroad tracks.

Take time to notice everything around you. Allow yourself to really experience it. If you're too stressed to do so at work, take a quick walk outside and see how many things you can detect through your sense of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. You just might be surprised! And you're certain to feel refreshed.

Remember: Open all your senses and sniff the wind.

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To view photos of Misty, past articles and other pet stories in our special new Fuzzy Tales section, visit http://www.sfpnn.com/misty.htm