Written By: Sam Marti
Living in the Moment: Dogs live in the present. They don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Observing and engaging with a dog who is fully immersed in the joy of the moment—whether they're playing, eating, or simply resting—can encourage us to shift our focus away from our worries and to be more mindful of the present.
Sensory Engagement: Dogs experience the world through their senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—and they often encourage us to do the same. Whether it's taking a walk and noticing the sights and sounds around us, or simply enjoying the tactile pleasure of petting a dog, these activities can ground us in the sensory experiences of the present moment.
Physical Activity and Play: Engaging in play triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can temporarily relieve pain. The act of playing can also take your mind off worries, reduce stress, and even lead to a more optimistic outlook on life. Engaging in physical activity with a dog, whether it's walking, running, or playing fetch, not only benefits our dogs' physical health but also helps anchor us in the present. Regularly adding play into our routine can improve our mood and reduce stress, naturally making it easier to focus on the here and now.
Routines and Healthy Habit Forming: As most dog owners are aware, our dogs thrive on routines. They know exactly when it's breakfast time and can distinguish between your work shoes and your walking shoes. Routines provide a structured and predictable environment. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and stress, making it easier for individuals to control their reactions and manage their emotions. This predictability helps develop a sense of security and stability, which is crucial for learning to regulate one's emotions. The simple act of owning a dog forces us to adhere to some level of routine. Discovering which routines we enjoy and finding little ways to incorporate them into the now can eventually lead to long-term behavior change. Don't worry about making big changes or setting too many new routines; just start small. Little changes add up over time. Through consistency, routines become habits. Habits require less cognitive effort to maintain, which frees up mental resources for other tasks. This concept is often taught to dogs by their owners, but it can be equally advantageous for us as well!
The bond between humans and dogs naturally balances out. Humans play a crucial role in guiding dogs, instilling in them routine and structure. We teach dogs patterns, enabling them to understand and predict what comes next. As human beings, we frequently find ourselves preoccupied with thoughts of the future or reflections on the past, struggling to dedicate precious moments to living fully in the present. The beauty of dogs is that they are always asking us to be present. All dogs want from us is to be here in this moment with them. While constantly thinking like a dog isn't always feasible, seizing opportunities to be completely present allows us to tune into the lessons our dogs are imparting to us.
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