Welcome to this reset practice dedicated especially to you as a pet parent.
My name is Biggie Junge.
I'm a dog trainer and behavior consultant as well as a coach for dog guardians.
Join me in this meditation to release tension after a challenging moment with your pet.
Be it a cat,
A dog,
A rabbit,
A bird,
A horse or whichever animal lives in your heart and give both of you permission to begin again.
Take a comfortable seat or stand if that feels best.
Your pet may be near you or maybe they have moved away after a stressful moment you both experienced together.
Either way,
This practice is for you first,
So you can bring calm back into your shared space.
Begin by noticing your breath.
No need to change it yet.
Just observe the rise and fall.
A natural rhythm of in and out.
In and out.
Now,
Gently start to lengthen the exhale.
Inhale.
Breathe in as before.
And exhale slowly,
Just a tiny bit longer than before.
Again,
In.
Soft and long.
And with each exhale,
Allow your body to release tension.
Maybe your shoulders drop.
Maybe your jaw softens.
Maybe your chest feels a little less tight.
Maybe your arms loosen and your hands unclench.
Stress will linger in the body if it is not allowed to move.
And even small moments can ripple through your nervous system.
Like a dog's sudden bark.
A cat scratching you out of the blue.
Or a horse suddenly getting frightened.
It's okay.
Let yourself acknowledge the moment that has just passed.
No judgement.
No shame.
Bring your awareness to your body again.
Notice any remaining tightness or stiffness.
And if it feels right,
Gently shake out your hands,
Shoulders and arms.
Make the movement as gentle or as strong as you need it to be.
Maybe you need to shake out even more than just your arms and hands.
Maybe your legs need some release too.
Do what your body tells you they need.
And let the movement carry out any leftover tension.
Then slowly release the movement and focus once more on your breath.
Take a slow,
Full breath in.
And exhale with a long,
Soft sigh.
Notice your pet.
Perhaps they're watching you,
Wondering what you're doing there.
But perhaps they've done something similar.
Especially dogs are known to shake of stress,
But other animals do that too.
Inhale again and feel your body soften.
Exhale and imagine a clean slate opening between you and your pet.
It's okay.
You can start again.
Your nervous system has the power to reset.
Your patience has the power to reset.
And your presence has the power to reset.
Take one more breath in.
And let it go again.
Bring your attention gently back to your pets.
And notice them without expectation.
Notice how the shared space between you now feels lighter,
Calmer and safer.
And when you're ready,
Open your eyes if you've had them closed.
You've just given yourself and your pet the gift of a fresh start.
One small breath.
One small moment at a time.
You're ready to continue together.
And if you enjoyed this meditation,
There are many more like this in my teacher profile here on Inside Timer.
They're all designed specifically for pet parents like you,
So you and your pet can live the best possible life together.
Take good care of yourself and of your pet.
Bye for now.
