I had a rare and lovely opportunity recently to spend some quality time with a new friend who feels like an old friend, you know what I mean. One of those people who just ‘gets you’. Whilst putting the world to rights over a drink in what looks to become a regular local we were laughing at my dog Flynn and her boundless enthusiasm and loving nature, and, as you do, plucked a title for a blog out of the air. Two weeks later having pondered on the doggy meaning of life these are my 10 lessons on mindfulness we can learn from our dogs –

• love wholeheartedly, enthusiastically & without judgement;

• greet each day as if it’s a new one, let go of yesterday & don’t worry about tomorrow;

• greet every friend you meet with excitement and love;

• see strangers as friends you have yet to meet, say hello, smile and be nice;

• express your emotions fully, if you feel happy show it;

• when you need support or feel afraid don’t be afraid to ask for help or a cuddle;

• live in the now, live each moment to its fullest;

• sniff out new adventures, new opportunities & possibilities;

• if you have nothing you need to say, sit & enjoy the peace;

• don’t make life unnecessarily complicated, keep it’s simple – eat, work, play, rest, cuddle and don’t forget to make time for the all-important things in life like tummy rubs!

So, there you are, as far as I can see we have a lot to learn from dogs.