Lessons of Joy Found in Pets

It’s a common half-joke to wish that one were reborn as a pet, because life just seems so much better for them! They sleep all day, don’t have to worry about paying rent, and exude joy when you see them. However, maybe the real reason pets’ lives are so enviable is found in some wisdom from Socrates: "The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less." See, pets are fabulous at finding everyday objects fascinating. A dog can enjoy playing with a stick for hours. Cats enjoy the chaos of knocking cups of water over. We can find similar joys in our lives with practice! We have to slow down and really observe what catches our attention and enthralls our senses. Boredom is essential for sprouting creativity, and creativity allows us to see objects and our actions with a new perspective, allowing us the freedom to play with what is in our world. Next time you see a pet acting ridiculous, try to join them. You might just find yourself having fun tugging on a simple sock.

"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less."

~ Socrates