Campfires and dogs

Last night we sat around the fire pit and meandered through wonderful conversations. Two friends of mine who work in the area of therapy enjoyed a cool drink and great food, but the heart of the evening was the chatter. We talked about our sorrows, joys and expectations for life. We talked about the journey that brought us to that night around the fire and how the days seem to gently drift away like the smoke rising toward the stars. Well, three therapists sharing a drink always come to the point in the night where we talk about the meaning of life. What does it mean to be happy? We didn't come up with THE answer but we laughed and shared ideas. The one point we shared in common was that it had something to do with what the Buddhists believe is the practice of the NOW. After all, now is all you have. To drink deeply and passionately of the moments we share with friends, family and even our dogs. My dogs don't always make me happy but they know about NOW. They have an amazing ability to love the moment, wag their tails and lick your feet. Yes, lick your feet! Some people love it and some people hate it. So last night when the dogs lay near the fire, my friends sat close and we laughed together it was just then.....in that very moment that I realized how lucky I was.