Mindful Monday: Two Dogs and a Traffic Jam

There are many teachers and spiritual guides who offer wisdom on how to be present, how to return to peace.

But sometimes, the most powerful reminders don’t come from words—they come from life itself.

You know how something small and unexpected can suddenly uplift your spirit and bring a smile to your face?

For me, that often happens around animals or children. Their innocence, their aliveness, their total presence—it’s magnetic. They’re not trying to impress or accomplish anything.

They’re simply being.

Last week, I was out running errands. The roads were congested, construction was everywhere, and I felt myself getting a little impatient—caught in the swirl of everyday busyness.

Then, as I was slowing down for a red light, I glanced to my left—and there they were: two dogs with their heads joyfully poking out the back window of a car. Ears flapping in the wind, tongues out, eyes wide with delight. Pure bliss.

This one small moment completely shifted me.

I noticed I was smiling. My breath deepened, and I relaxed. And as the light turned green, I said, “Thank you” to these beautiful souls and went on my way.

It reminded me that peace isn’t always something we have to strive for.

Sometimes it finds us, tucked inside the simplest of moments—if we’re paying attention.

The simple things have the power to ground us, to bring us back home to ourselves. All we need to do is notice.

So, I invite you to explore this with me this week.

To pause, even briefly, and notice the sacredness of ordinary moments:

• Bite into a fresh piece of fruit and truly savour it

• Take in the beauty and fragrance of flowers

• Feel the sunlight on your face

• Listen to the birdsong

• Notice the rhythm of your breath

• A heartfelt conversation with someone who sees you

And of course… let's keep our eyes open for those blissed-out dogs with their heads out the window. They may just be our reminder to smile, soften, and return to the moment.

With love,

Diane