My Lesson in Mindfulness...

Mindfulness...being present in the moment.  I chose Mindfulness as my word for the Moon Cycle month of July. Since our move to Oregon, I've struggled with stress and thoughts of the future making it difficult to be grateful for the now and be present to life.  But Auraluna, our Lab/Chow mix has been my constant reminder to stay mindful.  She was diagnosed with Bone Cancer in April, you can read my first post "Lessons in Healing"; so having to live day to day, with some good and some bad days, has been my biggest lesson in Mindfulness.

At the time our Vet said she would not make the move to Oregon... 

with us, she gave her six weeks, but...here she is almost 4 months later and she's still fighting and going strong.  The tumor has grown, and there are days where her limping is significant but there are others where the limp is hardly noticeable.  Her appetite is great and she still finds the strength to romp around, even run, in our new yard.  

She loves our trips to the beach...

as do I.  I find the Ocean waters very healing...which is good for both of us.  She's funny to watch as she tries to jump over waves or rolls on the sand.  She truly finds joy in everyday no matter where she finds herself.                         

Oregon has welcomed us with open arms...

The people here have been so kind and well, welcoming.  Our move was rough and we are still unsettled due to unexpected stuff around our new home.  So, I have found myself in total survival mode and stress...but when I look at Auraluna...I remember to breathe and stay present, giving gratitude for what we have here and now.

We've added new members to the ranch...

and she is still so much a part of it. She's out in the Garden while it's being tended, or in with the Alpacas, as well as sitting and watching the new chicks and ducklings. I can see how the pain meds keep her from being hyper and overactive (which has been her personality since a pup), but it doesn't damper her spirits...she still gets excited and does her little jump when we walk through the door or does her rolls in the grass and dirt.  She's present here and now everyday and what a gift that is.   

How long we have with her...

still remains unknown, so as long as she's thriving and happy we will enjoy her and she us every minute we can.  She still takes her pain meds, some antioxidant vitamins our Vet recommended, as well as the B.S.S.T. herbal tincture, as always she's wonderful about taking her meds.  I continue to offer her Reiki, as well as the the Essential Oils, all to make her as comfortable as we possibly can.  And of course she's still wearing her little medicine bag with her healing stones.  We just continue to take it one day at a time...no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

Read more Here.

"Mindful time spent with the person (or furlove) we love is the fullest expression of true love and real generosity.

Thich Nhat Hanh