Sunday, January 3, 2010

Instinct ...The Natural Guidance



While I was walking my dog this afternoon, I noticed that his actions appeared to be completely instinctual. Thor didn't stop to think what he should sniff and what he should avoid. His movements were natural as if he seemed to know what was right for him in any given moment. It made me wonder what it would be like if humans followed their noses the way animals do.

As Thor walked me around the block, I noticed how excited he was to be outdoors. It was apparent that being outside in the wild, so to speak, brought out an uninhibited joy. He tugged me along sniffing every spot that another dog or cat preceding him may have left a message. (My husband calls this part of his walks reading pee-mails). He also left his messages for those that will follow.

At times, he would stop and sniff the air as if to bring himself present to what else was possible and available to explore near by.

The most fun observation of Thor being instinctual was his delight. He was not following anyone else's plan for him. He was on a leash, so he went where I directed, yet he seemed to find joy wherever we went.

As I appreciated his enjoyment of natural freedom, I wondered what happened to us humans.

Did we forget that our natural tendency and instinct is to be happy? Did we forget that joy is always within us, waiting to be expressed? Or do we believe that others have the say on whether or not we could follow our bliss? Does our own fear of what may come in the future block our present moment instincts? Or have we simply gotten into the habit of planning every detail of our lives, missing the spontaneity and creativity that comes with freedom.

Whatever the reason, I believe that we all have the ability to grow our natural instinct to live happy, joyful lives.

Perhaps if we sniffed the air, we would discover bliss was near by.



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