[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I thought you might like to get started communicating with your dog. Below is an excerpt from one of my books called ‘Ask Your Dog’. See how you go through the first couple of exercises.
Techniques
#1 ‘JUST BEING’
Learning to be in the present, the ‘Now’ and experiencing each moment fully.
#2 GETTING IN THE ‘ZONE’
Getting into that quiet place within your heart and ceasing of all mind chatter.
1, 2, 3 Technique
1 ……. Feel your breathing go deep and slow
2 ……. Feel your physical body relax
3 ……. Feel the calmness of mind and that quietness
#3 MAKING THE CONNECTION The two-way conversation begins between you and your canine companion.
‘Just Being’
Dogs will teach you there is no point worrying about the past or the future, as this can only cause stress. The here and NOW is the only way to be.[/vc_column_text][us_separator type=”invisible” size=”small”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][us_single_image image=”8485″ size=”full” align=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]This philosophy can be life changing; imagine eliminating all the stress from your life. Staying in the present is not only a wonderfully healthy state in which to be, but also the only time transformation can actually take place in your life. Dogs exist in this state of presence most of the time, however for humans, this takes great discipline
as the mind is usually preoccupied with other things. For example, when you are walking your dog, is your mind elsewhere or are you in that very moment with your dog? Are you aware of your dog’s experience on the walk, or even your own?
The question many dogs ask:
‘Are you here with me, or somewhere else?’ If you truly want to get the full bene t of being in nature and enjoying your loved canine friend, you need to be present. Smell the smells, hear the sounds and
feel the wonderful state of relaxation and freedom when out with your dog.
‘Open your heart and let the magic begin[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator type=”invisible” size=”small”][vc_column_text]EXERCISE
We tend to be more aware of an animal’s behaviour when they are interacting with us, than when they are in their quiet mode. One of the major barriers to communicating with animals is the interference of our own busy thoughts, distractions or pre-conceived ideas. We need to open our mind and perceptions about animals. We need to look far beyond their fur, feathers or ns and see that they are highly intelligent, perceptive beings. If we see or treat them as below us, how is it possible to discover the true essence of animals?
The rst step in overcoming this habit is to sit with your dog quietly without distraction or interaction. I call this ‘Just Being’
or ‘Being Present’ with your animal. The human way is not the only way to live or function. Now is your chance to see and feel a different way of being.
There is no need to sit right next to your dog for this exercise; in their general vicinity will be enough. If they approach you, allow them to do so but without your interaction (as this is what normally occurs when they are with you); ignoring their advances will soon allow them to settle quietly and be themselves. Allow your busy thoughts to quieten until you are focusing softly on your animal friend. Just sit with them quietly for a short period of time, and sense what it feels like to be your dog.
Animals love when we are in this quiet mind mode as this is more
to their state of being. Our busy lifestyles and the chatter that is forever occurring in our minds, will often cause our animals to behave erratically or want to be distanced from us. It also prevents them from communicating with us as they are receiving a busy signal from our ever-active minds. You will notice when you are calm, they are calm.
Getting in the ‘Zone’
The ‘Zone’ is a quiet, calm state of being – your dog’s preferred state of existence. When we slow down, calm our breathing and feel from the heart, we become in a more natural state as well. You become more connected to your self and your environment; free of stress, relaxed and your mind chatter disappears. A sense of internal calmness comes over you. It is in this state you can directly relate to your dog.
This calmness is very important to a dog, as they are aware of the emotional state of every member of the pack, which includes you. A lack of calmness can tend to incite different behaviours and change the dynamics of the pack.
EXERCISE
I would now like to take you through a simple exercise that will help you achieve a feeling of calmness and receptivity to animals. This will be the beginning of conversations between you and your much loved dog.
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed
- Sit in a comfortable chair
- Gently close your eyes and take in a few deep breaths……………………………
- Concentrate now on the breath you inhale and the air you exhale
- Slowly go through from your head to your toes and relax your skin and muscles
- As you do, your breathing will become slower and deeper
- As your physical body relaxes you will notice your mind chatter begin to slow
- You will now feel relaxed and calm
- You are now in the ‘Zone’ and ready to talk to and hear your animals
- Spend a few minutes in this relaxed state so you know what it feels like
Making the Connection
Read the book to get the two-way conversation going so you can understand what your dog really thinks and feels. Be exhilarated by getting information first hand, when you learn to speak ‘dog’.
View the book HERE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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