Blessed Be the Canines: Reflections on Gratitude and the Power of Rejoicing

photo: Adobe Stock

Gratitude is the intentional appreciation of one’s circumstances or another’s actions. For many, gratitude is a spiritual practice.

Gratitude is a blessing we bestow on others. It can also be a blessing to us.

Rejoicing goes beyond gratitude to an active celebration of kindness, intelligence, or virtue. It is more than appreciation. It is intentional, focused, joyful reveling in the kindness of others, or even in our own virtuous action. 

Receiving the expression of gratitude from another can change our whole life in a moment if we open ourselves and accept the blessing. In truth, it can bring about a swift change of our mind from a negative state to a positive state.

There is one aspect of gratitude that is often overlooked but that is very important to our mental health, our spiritual fortitude, and how we experience our life. It is knowing that when we feel or express gratitude, we are actually rejoicing in the object of our gratitude. Being the focus of another’s rejoicing is no small blessing and it can change our life. In the same way, rejoicing in others can also change our life. 

Rejoicing is a powerful practice when we do it consciously and with intention. We can be grateful for a kind word or act from another, but how often do we really contemplate the beauty, the virtue, and the compassion of another living being taking the time to do something kind for us or for another?   

Gratitude is beautiful and healing, but rejoicing is where the power lies. It is also where gratitude really becomes a powerful antidote to depression, anxiety, and anger. 

I try to rejoice in other living beings every day (every moment, ideally) in order to strengthen the proverbial muscle at the core of gratitude and to become a more present, openhearted, and receptive person.

When I meet a new dog training client, my gratitude for their dedication to their animal companion is a practice that helps me have compassion without being attached to the outcome of the situation. I am always grateful to the dog in front of me for the opportunity to learn from them. Every dog is a ‘study of one’ so there is always something new for me to glean from a new dog. 

When walking down the street, I say little prayers of gratitude and rejoicing for every dog I see. They bring me so much joy in their behavior, their character, and their idiosyncrasy.

I also derive great joy from their owners, whether they’re engaged with their dog on a walk, talking to their dog, watching their dog, or simply taking the time to make their dog’s life more enriched. It brings me joy, and I rejoice in their virtuous actions. They are doing their best to give their companion a well-rounded, satisfying experience in life.

While gratitude is a blessing to yourself and others, it can become a super-powered force of healing when we complement it with rejoicing. Imagine now, when you watch a dog with open gratitude, that you are receiving a blessing from a canine who is trying to make sense of the crazy world we humans have created. Now complete the circle, and give these creatures the blessing of our rejoicing in gratitude for their presence in our lives.

I am so grateful to you, dear Bay Woof reader, for taking the time to sit and contemplate gratitude and rejoicing in the virtues of others with me. Take it with you out in the world and change the world, one experience at a time, by rejoicing in the beauty that surrounds you.