Mindfulness and Pets: Lessons on Living in the Moment with Your Dog
Written by Catherine Koverola, PhD
Watching the film Noah got me thinking about animals–about my own dog, in particular, and my relationship with him. I’m one of those people who absolutely adores her dog. He’s truly the most loving animal I’ve ever had in my life–a little fellow who is seventeen years old and weighs less than eight pounds but has the heart of a giant. His name is Sisu.
When Sisu greets me, his little tail wags so hard it looks like it might just wag right off; it’s got an ever-ready battery in it that is always fully charged. His love is so pure that it reminds me of Rogerian unconditional positive regard (a clinical psychology concept–look it up!).
Every morning, Sisu brings a smile to my face when his little wet nose burrows into the bed, announcing it is time to awaken. He then rolls over, fully confident that a belly rub is imminent. I am struck by his complete trust as he exposes his vulnerabilities to me.
When I have the presence of mind to observe my little pal carefully, I realize that he embraces every moment with such enthusiasm and awe. Every blade of grass he sniffs is amazing to him. The neighborhood squirrels are ever so tantalizing to bark at and chase after; each one is like the first one he ever saw.
Like most dogs, Sisu lives fully in the moment–never in the past and never in the future, but squarely in the present moment. This is actually a lot like meditating—staying in the present moment. It’s perhaps not at all surprising that he’s such a natural companion for me when I meditate.
Every day, Sisu joins me during my meditation time, crawling right into my lap, rhythmically breathing in and out. Curled into a small ball, I can feel his tender heart beating. I wonder what is going on with his neurons as we sit together, quietly breathing.
When I first started meditating with Sisu, I wondered, perhaps foolishly, if it was okay. Was it weird, sitting together, breathing with my pet? I even ran it past renowned mindfulness facilitator Jon Kabat-Zinn. I chuckle now, thinking about how it was so like me to want to be sure I was “doing it right.” Let me check with the “guru.” I remember Jon smiling at me reassuringly. Yes, meditating and being with one’s pet is yet one more way of just…being.
Many people find meditating in community settings helpful. I love being with my little guy Sisu—I love him dearly, and he reciprocates, his tail wagging at top speed.
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