By Mommy – Two Tales One Journey
Recently, I was listening to a podcast where they posed a simple yet profound question: What does it truly mean to be present?
At first, I thought about it in the usual ways—being mindful, focusing on the moment—but the more I reflected, the more I realized I already had the perfect teacher right by my side.
For the past four years, Sophie has been my constant companion, my best friend, and—without even trying—my greatest teacher. Every single day, she embodies presence in a way that I can’t help but admire. Whether it’s taking her time to sniff every inch of the ground on our walks or simply sitting still, face lifted to the sky, feeling the breeze dance through her fur—Sophie is fully here.
Our mornings start the same way each day. We wake up from our nightly snuggle, and while I sip my coffee and scroll through emails, Sophie watches me—probably wondering why I’m so attached to that strange little device.
But the moment I say the magic words, “Are you ready?”—everything changes. She springs to life, grabbing a toy and trotting eagerly to the door, ready to greet the world.
Outside, after a few rounds of fetch, Sophie finds a comfortable spot in the yard, her eyes filled with quiet wonder. She watches the squirrels as they dart through the trees, listens to the birds singing their morning songs, and tilts her face toward the sun, soaking in its warmth.
And in that moment, as I watch her, I find myself doing the same.
For once, I’m not thinking about my to-do list. I’m not replaying yesterday’s worries or rushing ahead to tomorrow’s uncertainties. I’m simply here, with her, in this peaceful space.
Sophie has shown me that being present doesn’t require effort—it’s a state of being, one we can step into if we just slow down long enough to notice.
She has taught me a lesson I didn’t even know I needed:
A Dog’s Wisdom
Dogs have this incredible way of bringing us back to ourselves. They remind us of the joy in the little things—the smell of fresh grass, the warmth of a familiar touch, the comfort of companionship.
And as we navigate our busy human lives, they remain by our sides, patiently waiting for us to remember what they’ve always known:
This moment is enough.
Because of Sophie, my mornings look a little different now. They’re not just about coffee and emails; they’re about deep breaths, nature walks, belly rubs, and the simple act of just being. And for that, I am forever grateful.
