Yes, Dogs Can Meditate Too
And here are 4 good reasons you should meditate with yours
Have you ever noticed the more relaxed you are, the more magnetic you become to your dog or any other animal? If you’re in a calm state, your canine companion is probably snuggled right up next to you. Our pups are naturally drawn to peaceful energy because that’s the natural state of being for dogs, and for humans too.
They demonstrate this every day with their ability to easily live in the moment. Our canine pals are natural meditators in many ways. For example, their daily strolls are like a walking meditation because they stay in the present moment, are joyfully aware of their surroundings, and are masters at embracing the sensory delights around them. Dogs enjoy being in a restful state almost as much as they enjoy being with us. Imagine their level of happiness if we combined the two by incorporating a meditation routine with them!
Some humans and dogs may need a little support getting started, so I’ve provided a few tips to inspire you both to give it a try. And while sharing this quiet, relaxed space together puts you both at ease, it also showers you with a host of health and wellbeing benefits.
Four (4) Benefits of Meditating with your Dog:
1. A Daily Routine Will Support You Both
Most humans do well with routine. It keeps us productive and a little ahead of the game. Routine can also give us a sense of order and stability in what could easily be perceived as a chaotic world. When you create more regularity in your life, and include times of stillness, everything begins to flow more easily.
For meditation to be most beneficial, consistency is really important. It helps to meditate at the same time each day. Meditating first thing in the morning is a common choice for many reasons – mainly because it’s easier to bring your mind to a quieter space when it hasn’t yet been triggered by the activities of the day. However, practicing meditation at any time is much better than not practicing at all!
Dogs also thrive with routine. They instinctively align themselves with nature’s rhythms. They’ll find comfort and safety in always knowing what to expect. Incorporating routine in their lives can correct behaviors which stem from insecurity. When your pup feels more secure, it boosts their confidence, which paves the way for a more balanced and well-behaved dog.
2. Stress Reduction
Stress is an unavoidable part of everyday life no matter what your species. It can negatively impact many aspects of our health, ranging from minor annoyances to life-threatening diseases.
While incoming stress may be impossible to eliminate, you can release accumulated tension by being in a restful state of awareness through meditation. The more consistent we are with this practice; the more stress we release. Meditation is literally the antidote to our stress-filled lives.
Meditation also gives your stress responses a much-needed break. When we suppress our stress responses through meditation, we encourage the body’s natural healing capabilities to rev up, while simultaneously promoting the healing process, keeping future illnesses at bay. No matter what your current state of health is, a daily meditation practice as part of your regular health regime will definitely set the right trajectory for both you and your pup.
3. Harmonize and Attune Energy
During the calmness of meditation, our energy centers tend to open and realign and our whole being starts to restore itself. The same happens for our dogs. And since energy isn’t bound by the physical body, meditating together allows us to merge our human/canine energy on this subtle, yet powerful level.
When we harmonize and attune our energy with our pups, it reinforces our bond with them and enhances our intuition. You’ll begin to sense how your dog feels and what they need, as day by day a greater sense of clarity and knowingness will develop in your relationship with them. We’ll harmonize with our pups in a way that will provide us with a deeper level of understanding and enhance our ability to provide them with excellent care.
This is the type of energy that draws a dog to one person, but yet causes them to respond poorly to another. You can also enhance this part of your relationship with them by partnering your breathing. Sit quietly together and place your hand on your dog’s chest. Bring your attention to the movement of your dog’s breath and then match your breathing pattern to theirs. Do this for as long as is comfortable for both of you. Meditating and breathing in unison with your pup can enhance and strengthen your connection with them, and allows for the unfolding of a deeper understanding between the two of you.
4. Builds Trust
Humans certainly feel more grounded after meditating, and that solid and established feeling extends to our furry friends. It can be especially valuable to a rescue dog. Dogs need a sense of stability to feel safe, just as we all do. Without that feeling of dependability, our pups can react from a place of insecurity, leaving them unhappy while you try to cope with their behavioral problems.
Every experience or emotion we share with our dog either builds their confidence by lessening their fear, or it erodes their trust in us. And trust is the critical component of your relationship. Add to your best friend’s positive memories by habitually sharing with them the most serene part of your day. Meditating with your pup conditions them to associate calmness, safety and security with you.
Think of meditation repetition as a security blanket for your dog. If you mostly practice in the same location, your dog will come to think of this particular spot as a place of safety. It becomes an area of solace they can retreat to in times of stress. You can also introduce a consistent light scent, such as frankincense or lavender, to help them associate certain smells with a relaxed state of being.
Your dog more than likely meditates on its own, but the benefits received from a meditation practice that is done together with you, are compounded for you both individually and within your relationship. Pick a time and a spot and start today – your pup will be forever grateful! Then share with us how your relationship and your lives are being impacted by meditation.
By Amanda Ree
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