Life Lessons I've Learned from My Dog

I learned many life lessons from my dog, and after losing him recently, I wanted to share that canine wisdom. I’m sure cats and other pets offer some of these same lessons as well. Our pets bring so much to our lives. 

Live in the moment.

Dogs seem to have an easy time living in the moment. They aren’t thinking about the next thing, or worrying about the past, but seem really content being in the present. Maybe if they had human brains they would get caught up in the past and future like we do, but I like to think we humans can cultivate more dog-like in the moment presence. 

Take naps.

My dog was a champion napper. As much as he liked to run and play, he loved to curl up on the couch, rest his head on a pillow or lounge in the sun in the middle of the day. I think we all could benefit from periods of rest mixed into our days.

Enjoy the simple things.

While my dog enjoyed adventures he also enjoyed the simple habits of our daily life. Every walk was a pleasure, every sniff was interesting. 

Have fun and be silly!

My dog was funny! He was playful with his toys, loved to be chased and had many funny doggie facial expressions. His playfulness was a reminder to cultivate my own ways of being playful.

Take life in stride.

When he didn’t feel good, he took it in stride, and still found joy in the simple pleasures of life. I’m reminded that it can be easy to want things to be different in our lives, but life feels easier when we can be content with what is. 

Love your people.

My dog loved his people so much. This reminds me to show and tell the people that I care for how I feel about them. 

What life lessons have you learned from your pet?

Somatic Practice: Self Support Hug

This somatic practice uses self touch to offer the body support and safety. Helping your body feel support and safety can be beneficial in helping us feel calmer, more relaxed and settled. The practice is especially helpful in times when we feel overwhelmed, sadness and the need a little extra support.

How to Integrate Transitions to Feel Stable Ground Amid Life's Changes

This time of year is rich with transitions — kids returning to school and increased work demands that feel different than they did in the vacation-filled summer months. Then there is also the transition of seasons, the first hints of cooler weather and less morning and evening light. We can feel that seasonal change is coming. 

What is it like to notice these changes in your body? Are you energized and excited for change? Or is there a feeling of uncertainty? Do you feel stable and grounded? Or do you feel unsettled? What sensations in your body give you that information? 

We experience transitions all the time, some frequent and expected and others that completely rock our world and leave us feeling shaky. It is common for transitions to feel hard or a bit unsettling. Many of us like things to feel stable and familiar most of the time. Our nervous system is constantly searching for safety. One way that we can support our nervous system in feeling safe during a transition is to check in and spend a little time noticing how we feel. 

Slowing down and taking this time to check in with yourself allows you to integrate the changes that are happening. Things can move very rapidly in our present world, and move faster than the evolution of our body and nervous system. Pausing. Slowing down. Noticing. Taking time to allow yourself to adjust to what is happening now. All of these things can be really helpful with navigating transitions, big or small, with ease. 

Somatic Practice: Orienting for Awareness in the Present

Orienting is a simple practice that helps us be aware of where we are in the present moment. Our nervous system is always trying to keep us safe, and this practice reminds us that we have relative safety in the moment we are in. While it might seem overly simple, it really is a great way to support ourselves in being present.

Take 4 minutes to complete the orienting practice I’ll lead you through in the video, and see if your awareness of being in the present doesn’t leave you feeling more in balance.

Simple Grounding Exercise Practice for Stress Reduction

Take a few minutes to slow down and tune into your body. This simple grounding exercise helps to cultivate more connection to the present moment and supports stress reduction and overall well-being.