Being able to practice meditation on your own can be an intimidating task. After all, the idea of sitting still, closing your eyes, and focusing on nothing but your breath sounds almost surreal at first. But the truth is, you don’t have to be a master to meditate. In fact, it can be a lot easier than you think, as long as you have the proper guidance. Luckily, having an animal friend can help you when you meditate with animals.
An Invitation to Meditate with Animals
The first thing you need to do when bringing your animal along for meditation is invite them to join you. This is referred to as “asking permission.” Allowing your friend to choose if they want to join you is essential for getting them to agree. You can mentally invite the animal to join you by silently saying, “You’re welcome to join me in this meditation space. I will respect whatever you decide.” Then follow through on this promise and realize that whatever your pet decides is perfect for the moment. Most animals are thrilled to meditate with their people and are happy to show you how to connect in the present moment.
Find a Quiet Spot and Set-Up
You’ll want to find a quiet place where you and your pet can meditate together. This could be the living room, your bedroom, or even a spare room that you’re only using for a few hours a day. Wherever you decide to meditate, be sure your animal friend can move freely. Never confine them or force them to join you. Allowing them to move freely in and out of the meditative space is as important as asking permission.
Find Your Breath
Meditation is about letting go of the thoughts that fill your head and connecting to your true self, the beautiful divine light that resides in all beings. The best way to do this is to focus on your breath and breathe deeply. Breathe in through your nose or mouth and pull your breath all the way down to your belly. Then exhale. This may sound basic, but slow deep breaths also change your brain wave state. You go from stressed to peaceful just by focusing on your breath.
Let Go of the Thoughts and Re-Focus
Our mind is designed to think, so don’t be surprised or discouraged if thoughts appear during the meditation. Just notice your thoughts and let them go. Don’t become attached to your thoughts or look for meaning in them. Just notice and release them. You may find that this is easier said than done, but there are a couple of ways to help yourself – focus on your breath and focus on the love you feel for your animal. Gratitude for the loving bond you share will help create an extraordinary meditation experience.
Meditate with Animals and Stay on Track!
One of the great things about including your pet in your meditation practice is that they can help you stay on track. Learning to meditate with animals will help both of you look forward to your special time together!
