My dog’s name is Spanky.
Yesterday was our 5 year anniversary of being together… I adopted him on December 30th, 2008 when he was 17 months old.
This year, Spanky began downloading his incredible wisdom through me, via my Talya’s Kitchen Facebook Page.
I swear that it is he who has written these posts – I’ve only acted as a conduit for his experience, knowledge and clarity of judgement.
Spanky and I hope that this selection of his 2013 Wellness Tips bring joy and inspiration to your heart and help you to usher in a FABULOUS, WONDROUS and BEAUTIFUL 2014.
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #1
“Allow your dog to take you for a walk every day.
Spanky Loves Walks!
It’s good for the body and it’s good for the soul.”
-Eckhart Tolle
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #2.
Look as impossibly cute as you can at all times. This ensures your probability of being petted, caressed, massaged and given delicious treats.
Posing like Hugh Hefner and winning.
“Place yourself in rubbing distance of everyone you see, and practice doing cute and cuddly things. If you play it right, you can pretty much turn your whole life into one long massage.” – Mary Monroe
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #3.
Just Be Yourself.
Be Awesome.
I Love Being Me.
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #4.
Play until you can play no more.
I’m so hot! I love to play!
“Play isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
When we play vigorously, we trigger a mix of endorphins that lift our spirits.
Play is a state of being that is happy and joyous.
Jumping into and out of the world of play on a daily basis is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting.” – helpguide.org
The Day After We Met – December 31st, 2008.
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #6.
HUG. Every chance you get!
“Hugs really are rather quite magnificent if you think about them.
They’re free (that’s nice, things are a little tight right now), they’re quick (good, I’m busy), you can do them in public (I have nothing to hide),
you can hug people of both sexes (equality is nifty), you can hug people of all races (everybody needs hugs), and you can hug people of all ages.
Seriously, if you’re not hugging, you’re missing out.” – Traver H. Boehm
“Regular embraces can lower the risk of heart disease, decrease stress, boost immunity, fight infections and ease depression.
Just ten seconds of hugging can lower blood pressure and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.” – MailOnline
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #8.
Love (and put) Yourself First.
I love to be in the spotlight – with my friends!
Spanky-Ji has much to say about this particular wellness tip. Below are a handful of his favorite quotes on the subject…
“If anyone hates on you because you are happy with yourself then you stick your paw in the air and say screw it. My happiness will not depend on others anymore. I’m happy because I love who I am. I love my flaws. I love my imperfections. They make me me. And “me” is pretty amazing.” – Unknown
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” – Lucille Ball
“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” -W.C. Fields
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Suess
“What a fool, quoth he, am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key in my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle.” -John Bunyan (LOL!)
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #9.
Eat Living Foods.
Mmmmm…. I love grass!
Living Foods contain loads of enzymes which contribute to the body’s ability to assimilate foods and digest foods properly. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, plant proteins and – if they are green – chlorophyll.
My personal favorite living foods include grasses, chlorella (algae, yum!), cherries, goji berries, avocados and carrots.
I don’t recommend eating dead foods. I ate a dead starfish once and threw up on my mom’s new boyfriend’s bed. Blech.
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #10.
Surround Yourself With Wonderful People.
Chillin’ With My Friends… That’s where it’s at!
“Be the kind of person you’d like to be with.”
“It is important to make an effort with those people in your life who are kind, who love you, and who are a positive influence in your life. And, of course, it is just as important that you also try to be kind, loving, and positive so that those people want to be around you as well.” – Jamie Falahee
“It’s less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones.” – Amanda McRae
“Surround yourself with good people. They make it easier to keep your head up even when you’re going through bad times.” – Thema Davis
Spanky’s Wellness Tips. #12
Get enough sleep.
I sleep like the angel that I am.
Your body needs sleep to be healthy, happy and to boost your immune system. Animals (including humans) who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to catch viruses and colds. Your body needs sleep to fight off disease. Be like me – I’m a sleep warrior!
“If I have a pillow to rest my head on, and a blanket to cover up with… I have nothing to complain about.” – Unknown
“Last night I dreamt I ate a ten pound marshmallow. When I woke up the pillow was gone.” – Tommy Cooper
Spanky’s [Extra Special Holiday] Wellness Tip. #13
Meditate.
I am peace.
As you surround yourself with friends, family and loved ones this holiday and new year season – or perhaps you are spending the holidays alone – find 10 minutes to sit quietly with the silence of your own heart. Support your sitting bones with a cushion and drape a soft shawl across your shoulders. Sit up tall, close your eyes and go within.
Perhaps you will find deep gratitude there. Perhaps you will find peace. Perhaps you will find anger or grief. Whatever you find, be with it. Be its companion in the silence. Be its witness. Don’t judge it.
In fact, see yourself the way you see me, His Holiness Spanky-Ji – as the most precious and loveable creature you will ever encounter in this lifetime. : )
Be well. Blessings on your journey into 2014 and Happy New Year!
Love, Spanky (and Talya)
