Dogs get it.

Unlike people, dogs don’t have to make the decision to be unconditionally happy. Given the right circumstance, it comes naturally to them.

Recently, I read The Untethered Soul: the Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer. The ideas were simple, but so complicated.

I struggled to understand.

Then, I started watching the Hooker Horde. All three dogs get it.

Singer writes, “It means that the events that happen in the moment belong to the moment. They don’t belong to you. They have nothing to do with you. You must stop defining yourself in relationship to them, and just let them come and go. Don’t allow events to leave impressions inside of you. If you find yourself thinking about them later on, just let go.”

The Hooker Horde doesn’t dwell on events that happened the day before, the week before, or they year before. . . Those moments are gone. Neither Booker, Faith, nor Gus have a voice that talks in their heads all day long reliving those moments.

“You are not your thoughts; you are aware of your thoughts. You are not your emotions; you feel your emotions,” explains Singer. I’m not entirely sure that the dogs are aware of their thought, but they definitely feel.

So, Singer explains, “The real question is whether you want to be happy regardless of what happens. The purpose of your life is to enjoy and learn from your experiences. You were not put on Earth to suffer.”

I believe that Booker, Faith and Gus want to be happy. They are happy with either pumpkin or yogurt mixed in with their food. They are happy when it is snowing or when the sun is shining. They are happy when I come home. They are happy to go for a walk. They are happy to crawl into bed.

Singer says, “You determine whether or not you’re going to be happy.” The Hooker Horde, including me, has determined to be happy.

“The key is to just relax and release, and deal only with what’s left in front of you. You do not need to worry about the rest,” notes Singer

It is that simple and it is that complicated. It’s about mastering the art of allowing emotions to move through you and constantly choose love in the present moment.

As for me, I’m going to be like the rest of the Hooker Horde. I am going to be unconditionally happy.