When a Walk is More Than a Walk: Sharpen Your Senses and Your Focus

Stop! What are doing right at this moment?

Okay, silly question. You are reading this blog post, probably jumping back and forth between your inbox, your Facebook page and your Twitter account. I know this because I work in the office with my two-legged humans. They zip around in a whir of activity that gives new meaning to the term "monkey mind" and makes even a hyperactive Boxer's head spin! It doesn't make them more productive, either.

When the distractions start to get out of control, I take charge: I park myself next to their desks and start whining for a walk. It doesn't take long and they give in. That's when I become the teacher and the overworked and overstressed humans become the students.

For example, this morning they were in a typical rush when I planted all four paws on the ground and refused to walk another step unless they stopped yanking on my leash. That got their attention. Then, I told them to open their eyes and their ears and to observe with me the world around us.

Here's what we saw: Bright blossoms, multiple shades of green, pretty flower beds….and a cat, a crow and a gargoyle! (The gargoyle was a little creepy.)

Unfortunately, humans aren't wired to experience the world through their senses in the same way that a dog does (sniffing at the neighbor's bushes is probably not cool). But, that's no excuse for not tuning in to your senses and savoring life instead of rushing though it at breakneck speed.

What do you enjoy on your walks?