Pets, Presence, and Pause

I was listening to an episode of Glennon Doyle’s podcast, We Can Do Hard Things, a while ago and on it Glennon, Abby, and Amanda were talking about their pets, particularly dogs. They were obsessing about their furry family members, the profound impact they have on life offering delight and joy, and the way dogs are full of and prime examples of unconditional love.

As I listened I thought, yes, dogs are the perfect example of being present.

They constantly bring us into the present moment, invite Pause, and offer pure joy.

Dogs are completely in the here and now. Even when they’re barking, causing mayhem, or potentially peeing on the floor (luckily I don’t have that issue) we still love them. They bring joy.

Whether you've been gone from the house for five minutes, five hours, or five days, dogs are thrilled to see you then in that moment. Pure delight and love.

When they want to go out, they want to go now. They sniff and savor all the things, even when they walk the same blocks over and over again.

And in needing to be walked and cared for, dogs take you out of whatever you’re doing and create moments of Pause and spaciousness in your day.

There are often times that I find myself annoyed that I have to take the dog out but this is just the time that I remind myself, I get to take him out. I get to wander and play amidst the redwood trees and be in nature. I get to see him run around and endlessly swim after tennis balls in the bay. I get to step away from my desk and go outside for a few minutes.

The dog forces Pause.

When they approach you for snuggles or belly rubs it’s a sensory experience and you can’t help but become present. They comfort you, protect you, and show love in many different ways.

Or what about when you see an incredibly cute pup that doesn’t belong to you and you stop in your tracks to say hello to it, or someone stops you on the street or in the park to love on your pet. They simply invite Pause and presence - perhaps more than their humans.

These are all seemingly intangible things but when you bring awareness to them it’s remarkable.

It’s no wonder dogs can help reduce depression, improve wellbeing, and ease loneliness.

So whether you have a dog, a cat, or some other pet, savor in the delight, joy, and presence they bring to you. Find Pause to be truly present with them because they’re inviting you into it.

And if you don’t have pets, reflect on what in your life brings joy, delight, and presence. Maybe it’s allowing yourself to fall down the rabbit hole of play with your child, music that you get consumed in the rhythm of, plants that you nurture and care for, or some type of craft project that offers deep presence and Pause from mental stress and anxiety.

I’m partial to dogs, but we all can find and experience these things in our everyday lives.

Be Present. Savor. Take Note.

Find Your Pause.