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As we stand today on the eve of history, it is important to reflect on the deeper meanings of life.

Positive thoughts can make a big difference in mental, spiritual and physical health, studies have shown. Finding inner peace will improve your overall outlook and help you handle the problems that life hands out daily.

This theory is apparently true for dogs as well as humans.

"Arffrimations: Meditations for Your Dog," by authors Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman with photos by Susan Burnstine, is a tiny book of great wisdom. We have been reading an arffirmation each day to our dogs to help them attain personal enlightenment.

Actually, we read to them each day while the dogs are in the room. They are usually napping during the reading, as that is pretty much the only way they all stay still in the room at the same time. But that proves to me that they may already be at the pinnacle of self-actualization. 

And so far none of our dogs have tried to eat the book, so it must be precious and mystical to them.

The book is divided into specific meditations, including: Arffirmations for Attracting and Accepting Food ("I want to eat everything and everything wants me to eat it"); Arffirmations for Protection and Safety ("I bark at people walking past my house in celebration and warning"); Arffirmations of Self-Love and Self-Acceptance ("I disobey you because I fully love and respect myself").

I really think this little book is most helpful to humans. It will help you understand the journey your dog is tugging and pulling you on at the end of the spiritual leash. Listen and you will understand what a magnificent creature your dog is and how he or she fits into the cycle of life and the universe. 

And it's really good for a daily chuckle, which is feeds your own inner joy.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner (which you will find is your karmic obligation to share with your dog.)