Today as I write it is a scorching 33 degrees Celsius nearly 100 degrees in Fahrenheit.

Most of North America is experiencing heatwaves.
I take cover and write reflecting on summers past. I think back remincing about cottage days.

I feel like I have become more intune with nature, my environment in this season of my life. This hasn’t always been the case. I recall twenty-some years ago after my divorce.

I spent time alone at our family cottage.

I would enjoy the solitude alone with my dog and just relax in nature, however, I was separate from nature.
I learned this lesson and how to be wide awake walking in this world by an experience that could have ended badly.

One early morning before sunrise I set out with Jake my Jack Russell Terrier for a long hike.

I enjoyed the cooler temperature in the morning.Most of the time it took a couple of hours hiking to get out of my own head.

On this particular morning, I felt scattered and restless. I walked in the beauty of nature yet I was disconnected.

I was busy thinking about life and love and caught up overthinking.

On our way back close to the cabin my dog laid down and refused to move.

I was annoyed and agitated.

I coaxed and pulled him to get moving.

I did not notice how my dog’s ears stood on end nor the other subtle cues of danger.

As we neared the yard Jake started barking and pulling me in the opposite direction.

I didn’t listen or pay attention instead I walked on until I saw a large cougar in the yard.

The cat turned and our eyes met.

Minutes felt like an eternity.

I gasped and the cougar turned and lept into the bushes.

Gone yet not forgotten.

My heart felt like it leapt out of my chest.

My dog kissed my cheek after jumping into my arms. I praised him and hugged him close.

I knew my dog sensed the danger long before we were even close vicinity to the cat. I didn’t listen to his warnings.

I had put my dog in danger as no dog can stand a chance from a cougar attack.

My dog saved my life that day.

Jake would have lost his life defending mine.
This was a lesson for me to awaken to the present moment and as a result I started walking more mindfully.

I became more attuned to life and living.

We can’t change nature although humans do try. We need to respect it and be mindful. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had and for such an amazing animal. Jake, you were the best dog!