The Beginner Dog

I have two dogs. They get daily neighborhood walks; on the weekend I take them for longer hikes. As much as possible I try to let them off leash so they can be dogs and really run.

Each time we go out for a walk or hike, they are very excited. One of them can hardly contain himself – whines, barks, can barely sit still. Once the door is opened they are ready to bolt and run! Of course most dogs are excited to get outside and go for a walk.

Still I’m amazed every time. They are so excited even when it’s a walk or a place we’ve gone before. I know they know the place because they have favorite spots they like to go themselves, and still they’re excited. On leash or off, they are taking sniffing every spot they can, running in circles. Off leash they shoot off in every direction.

What this reminds me of is the Zen Buddhist concept of beginner’s mind. It’s the idea of approaching everything with a newness and freshness, with a lack of preconceived ideas, with a new attitude, even when it’s something that’s been seen or done before. I appreciate how dogs just do this.

It’s a reminder to me on the hikes and walks as well to keep paying attention to the dogs, and still appreciate and enjoy where I am.