Misha - Zen Master

I grew up in the 1960's and 1970's so Zen was a concept I knew about quite well. Meditation was taught in small classes, large classes, night school and recreation centers. I was on the outskirts of the hippie generation. I tried to meditate many times but it never quite took hold. My mind could never be tamed and when I did it briefly, I was bored silly and stopped the activity immediately.
But now, with Misha, I have found my answer to meditation. We tiptoed out into our dark backyard at 5:00 this morning. I thought Misha had to pee,thus the trip in the shadowy grey of the yard. We walked stealthily through the wet grass and I realized we were not on a mission to find the perfect tree to pee on...we were looking for bunnies! Misha was on the alert. As we wandered the lawn I began to see the bushes and grasses, vegetable garden and hen house all emerge from the darkness. Misha was totally concentrated on sniffing out his prey. His focus traveled up the leash and to my arm, up my arm and to my brain. I was actually living in the moment.
He must have smelled a rabbit in a big bush because he came to a halt in front of it and sat down. He was focused and alert and quiet and just sitting. He stared in to bush and did not move. I pulled over a garden chair and sat too. I looked the other direction toward the light that was beginning to bring the day. I heard the little bugs and birds making their wake up noises. I found that I was not thinking about anything at all, I was just being there.
The difference for me was that I was not alone or with other humans. I was with Misha and he was not looking to see if I was sitting correctly or breathing correctly. He was intent on his interest and I could be intent on mine.