Following their lead: A pet's guide to mindfulness

Mindfulness is something we often need help getting to grips with. It’s a skill like any other, and can take a little practice.

However, many of us live with absolute masters of the craft, who model it expertly, daily. (Admittedly, they also pee up lampposts and chase sticks, but that’s beside the point…)

Those experts are of course our pets.

Whether you share your home with a dog, a cat or another companion animal, they can be a wonderful guide in your search for mindfulness. Here’s how:

Pets don’t care about deadlines

Your dog has no concept of time. They’ll know when they’re hungry, when they want to play, and when they need a cuddle, but they won’t give one hoot about your work deadline, the stresses of yesterday, or worries of tomorrow.  

Animals exist fully in the now, and when we tune into their world, even briefly, we’re reminded that presence is available to us too. A slow walk with a dog, or a moment spent stroking the cat can become a grounding practice in itself.

They get you on the move

Getting outdoors can be a great way to get some clarity, and find some space – literally and figuratively. However, it can feel impossible at times to find the impetus to haul yourself up and out. A dog needing the loo is a great motivator though…!

A brisk walk with a pup is a wonderful way to set aside a period of time every day, and helps you not only build outside time and exercise into your routine, but also gives you a regular structure, which is a useful tool.

A natural calmer

There’s a reason stroking a pet feels calming. Research shows that interacting with animals can lower heart rate, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the hormone linked to bonding, love and wellbeing).

In other words, pets help us shift from tension to ease. Mindfulness becomes easier when the body feels supported, and pets offer that support without asking for anything in return – except maybe the odd treat!

Pets are boss nappers

Animals don’t apologise for napping, in fact, they actively excel at it. They don’t feel guilty for slowing down, if they need a rest, they sleep – often in the middle of the floor, providing a natural trip hazard, but that’s another issue altogether…  

We could learn a lot from this! Mindfulness isn’t only about awareness, it’s also about listening to our bodies, and allowing ourselves to pause. Watching a pet curl up and settle can be a great reminder that resting your body (and mind) when you need to is not indulgent, it’s essential.

A life less complicated

It is easy for life to feel overwhelming. The pressure to have it all, and keep all of the plates spinning contributes to much of the burnout people present with. However, our pets can be a great example of how a life less complicated doesn’t necessarily mean a life less lived…

For a cat, a sunny windowsill and a warm lap to snooze on would be the pinnacle of perfection. For your dog, a lovely walk and some sneaky treats – well, that’s just about the best day ever. There’s no stress, no worry, no panic in those lives – just the connection to the immediate.

Maybe, if we’re willing to follow their lead (rather than being dragged along behind it!), we might find that mindfulness has been right beside us all along.