While I've been given an unexpected gift of time due to a broken wrist, I became aware of how often I've been saying 'no' to life. I've built walls round myself and as a way of supposedly protecting myself, I started resisting everything and saying 'no' to life. It made me ponder on how our animal companions can teach us how to say 'yes' to life.
As humans, we often find ourselves resisting life in subtle yet significant ways. How many times have we mentally or emotionally said "no" to what is happening around us? Whether it's a tough situation, an unexpected challenge, or even a pleasant surprise that catches us off guard, our instinct is often to resist—to fight, avoid, or wish things were different.
This tendency to resist stems from fear, control, or the desire for things to be predictable and safe. We’re conditioned to overthink and over analyse, and in doing so, we build barriers against the natural flow of life. We struggle to let go of what we can't control, and we hold on tightly to what we think we can. In this way, we say "no" to life.
But what if we took a page from the book of animals, who seem to live with an effortless "yes" to everything life offers? Unlike us, animals don’t resist the present moment. They live fully in it, without judgment, and are open to whatever experiences come their way.
Animals offer a beautiful example of saying "yes" to life. They move with the flow of nature, responding instinctively to their environment without resisting what they encounter. A dog chasing a ball, a cat basking in the sunlight, a bird flying through the sky—each of these moments shows us the profound ease with which animals accept life as it is.
Their ability to live in the present moment allows them to be fully available for joy. When a dog runs to greet its owner, tail wagging and eyes sparkling, it isn’t weighed down by past regrets or future anxieties.
It’s just there, embodying pure love and excitement. Animals don’t hold grudges or worry about what might go wrong tomorrow. Their joy comes from a deep alignment with the present moment—a constant "yes" to life.
The key difference between humans and animals lies in our relationship with time and thought. While animals remain rooted in the present moment, humans often dwell in the past or project into the future. This mental habit creates resistance to what is happening now—and that resistance manifests as stress, frustration, or fear.
Take a look at a cat curled up on your lap, purring with contentment. The cat doesn’t question whether it deserves to feel good, nor does it worry about how long the moment will last. It simply ‘is’, enjoying the warmth, the comfort, and the connection. That presence, that natural "yes" to the moment, is what we can learn from.
When we resist life, we are often rejecting opportunities for growth, joy, and connection. We say “no” to uncomfortable emotions, difficult experiences, or anything that disrupts our idea of how things should be. We want control, predictability, and safety. But in doing so, we miss the beauty of life unfolding in unexpected ways.
Animals, on the other hand, accept what comes. A bird doesn't fight the wind—it adjusts its flight pattern to ride the current. A dog doesn't question a change in plans—it adapts to the new adventure. They trust life, allowing it to take them where they need to go, without resistance.
This is not to say that animals don’t face difficulties. They do. But even in the face of danger, animals react with instinctive clarity. They don’t dwell on their suffering or create elaborate stories about it. They move through the moment, fully engaged in life.
Another profound aspect of animals’ openness to life is the way they bring love and joy into ours. Anyone who has shared their life with an animal knows the special bond that forms between you. Animals, by saying "yes" to the moment and to us, invite us into a world of unconditional love.
They don’t care what we look like, how much money we make, or whether we’re in a good mood. They love us for who we are, as we are, in the moment. This is a powerful reminder that true connection and joy don’t come from control or perfection but from embracing life and each other without reservation.
So how can we learn to say "yes" more often, like the animals we admire? The first step is awareness. Notice the moments when you resist life—whether it’s a small inconvenience or a major challenge.
Recognise the tension that comes with saying "no" to what is. Then, gently invite yourself to soften, to accept, and to trust that this moment, like every other, has something valuable to offer.
Cultivate presence by practicing mindfulness, tuning in to your surroundings, and engaging with the world through your senses. When you feel resistance creeping in, ask yourself, "What would happen if I said 'yes' to this moment, just as it is?”
By embracing life in this way, we open ourselves to new experiences, deeper connections, and a sense of inner peace. We begin to trust that life, like the animals around us, has a rhythm and intelligence that can guide us through even the most challenging times.
Animals teach us that life doesn’t have to be a constant battle for control. By saying "yes" to what is, we can live more fully, experiencing joy, love, and connection in every moment. Like the animals who move through life with grace, we too can find peace in surrendering to the present, knowing that life, in all its complexity, is a gift.
So next time you find yourself resisting, pause. Breathe. And ask yourself: "What would happen if I said 'yes' to this moment?"
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