When I meditate at home, there are two cushions, one for me to kneel on and one for my cat, June. Already a Zen master, she chooses to enhance the meditation experience by ensuring a plentitude of here-and-now sensory experience on which to focus: purring, rhythmic breathing and silky fur against my hands.
Whenever you meditate, practice yoga or flow through Tai Chi, you create a positive shift in energy that flows into the immediate surroundings. Animals are attuned to changes in vibration and often are attracted to the downshift into calmness. It’s where they want to be. While some animals will bring in their own mellowness, others might get excited to share this time with you. All of that can be integrated into the overall meditation session. Here are a few ideas:
1) By listening or by placing your hands on the chest or back, focus solely your pet’s breathing; for larger dogs, you might try synchronizing your own breath with theirs.
2) For an active meditation or perhaps more of a mindful practice, allow your attention to fill with the sensation of petting your animal companion. Drop in to notice any qualities of their whiskers and fur (or skin). Is there a coarseness? A downiness? Do some parts feel smooth like satin?
3) If your pet snuggles up on you, place your awareness on any points of contact, just noticing what it feels like to share space. Invite the sensation of their physical presence to fill your awareness. And yes, its ok to move, slowly and mindfully, if say if after some time, your lap under your Maine Coon or your foot under your Black Lab starts to go numb.
June on her meditation cushion
