A close friend and a mentor introduced me to mindfulness meditation, and at the time, I didn’t understand it and wasn’t into it. I didn’t start meditating until the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, I learned that meditation with dogs is possible. So, of course, I had to try it with Gatsby.
We started with a few days a week, and because I felt I was reaping the benefits and creating a meaningful connection with my pup, I began to practice meditation every day. Now, meditating for 10 minutes is a part of our daily morning routine.
Benefits of Meditation With Dogs
Reduces stress and anxiety
Your pup is very much in-tuned with the way you feel. The energy in us transfers directly to our furry companions. That means if you are stressed, so is your dog! Meditating just 10 minutes a day keeps you grounded, calm, and focused throughout the day, reducing stress and anxiety.
You will live a more joyful and fulfilled life
Dogs live in the present moment because they don’t worry about the future or dwell on the past. This is something we need to learn from our dogs. When we meditate, we focus on breathing and forget about everything else. We are present. If we can practice this daily, it becomes a habit. We become happier in life because we’re not anxiously worried about something that we can’t control or hold on to something that has already passed us. Learn from your dog. Live in the present moment!
Strengthens your bond and builds trust
Creating a safe space to spend some time together helps you build a stronger bond and trust with your dog when you and your pup are aligned and in sync during meditation. Meditation is a time for sharing the same energy and space with your dog. Dogs read human body language a lot better than when we are trying to read theirs! Once your body starts to relax, so will they.
Perfect for your dog’s daily routine
Meditating daily with your pup can easily fit right into their daily routine. Dogs love routine! When Gatsby and I first started meditating together, he would try to get my attention by barking or licking me. Now, he knows when I take out the floor pillow, it’s time to settle down.
It’s Easier to Meditate with Your Dog
I find it much easier to meditate with Gatsby next to me. When I put my hands on his chest and feel him breathing with me, I feel at peace. Try it, and you’ll know what I mean.
How To Meditate With Your Dog:
- Find a quiet area, sit down, and get comfortable. It’s best to use a floor cushion.
- Close your eyes and focus on taking deep breaths to relax.
- Let them do it if your dog is walking around you and trying to get your attention. When you start to relax, your dog will do the same.
- Once your pup settles down, place your hand on their chest area and feel the movement of their breathing. Align and in sync with your pup. Match your breathing pattern to theirs.
- Time your meditation. I use mala beads while meditating by draping them across my fingers and moving each bead as I breathe in and out (per bead). When I get to the guru bead (the bead attached to a tassel), I end my meditation.
- Notice your thoughts – once your mind starts to wander, shift your focus back on your breathing again.
Recap of Meditation With Dogs
Creating a safe space where you and your dog can spend some quiet time for meditation helps build a bond, increases trust, decreases anxiety and stress, and improves your well-being. You and your dog will love this meaningful connection together!
When will you start to meditate with your dog to begin reaping all the benefits? I think now is a great time to start!
“That’s the lesson of the dogs, that it’s important to both live in the moment and then go on to the next wonderful thing.”
— William Bruce Cameron
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