Our world never stops moving, bustling with responsibilities, commitments, and ambitions. Amid this whirlwind, the slower pace we once experienced during the Covid pandemic seems like a distant memory. All too often, I find myself either eager for the future (counting down the days to vacation!) or reminiscing about the past (“What did we do with our time on the weekends before kids?"). In this constant cycle, it's easy to overlook the simple beauty of the present moment. As a dedicated health and wellness coach and a committed yogi, I've come to realize the immense importance of mindfulness and truly being present. Interestingly, my greatest teacher in this has been an unexpected one: our soon-to-be 14-year-old dog, Max.

Matt and I adopted Max from the Northeast Animal Shelter when he was just a puppy, a mere six months into our relationship. As my dad humorously toasted, "If they can handle a puppy together, they can handle anything!" Max, a lab mix, was a boundless energy source up until last year, accompanying us for miles-long walks and always eager for more.

However, this past month brought significant changes in Max's behavior, including a few alarming health scares. Who would have thought dogs can get dementia? His hearing has been gone for a bit and arthritis in his back hip is in full force as he drags his paw while roaming around the house. As fortunate as we are to still have him around, it's heart-wrenching to see him slowing down. Our brisk walks down Summer Street have now morphed into gentle, leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, and his once tireless playtime has been replaced by longer, tranquil naps in the sunlight.

Max has a unique talent for being present. He's welcomed each new addition to our family with joyful loyalty, the trademark of man's best friend. There are times when I find myself reflecting on the years when balancing mom/work life with two young children and an energetic pup, guilt creeping in for the attention I couldn't afford to give him during those challenging days.

Max doesn't rush through life or dwell in the past; instead, he enjoys each moment with unhurried appreciation, still greeting the girls with the same enthusiasm every morning and as much excitement as he can muster when they return from school in the afternoon. His slow-down has served as a signal for me to do the same - to press pause on the relentless hustle and experience the joy of each passing moment, just like Max does.

This straightforward yet profound shift has brought a new level of depth to my life. It has strengthened my connections with my loved ones and the world around me, illustrating that being present isn't just about finding joy in major life events, but also about uncovering happiness in everyday, seemingly trivial moments.

The practice of being present, embracing mindfulness, forms the bedrock of holistic wellness. It empowers us to tune into our bodies and recognize our needs for rest, nourishment, movement, and connection. It nudges us to appreciate ourselves for where we are in our journey right now, rather than obsessing over where we hope to be.

So, here's my invitation to you: Follow Max's example. Embrace the beauty of the present moment, slow down, savor, and appreciate. As the summer unfolds, it's the perfect time to start. Yes, the kids are out of school, and the daily ritual of camp drop-offs and pick-ups for a mere 3-hour program might seem overwhelming, but remember: one day, they won't need us for their rides anymore. One day, the seemingly never-ending sibling squabbles will cease. It's crucial to hang in there and remember that, in the grand scheme of things, our time spent raising our children, just like the time we have with our cherished pets, is fleeting.

Life might be a whirlwind, and there may be times when it feels like it's on fast-forward. But remember, you have the power to hit pause, and the reward is a more vibrant, more fulfilling life. Although this may seem like a small step, the impact of this mindful practice on your wellbeing can be enormous.