In this mindfulness-based practice we're going to spend five minutes with our pet.
So I'm here with my beloved pet Bramble.
She's a Border Terrier dog and we are currently just nice and relaxed.
So I invite you to join us with your pet and choose a moment where your pet is quite relaxed and then just come to be aware of the present moment.
Just allow yourself to take a look at your pet.
Notice their position and their posture.
Bring your eyes and your awareness to the shape of their body.
And then just start to notice the rhythm of their breath.
Just observe.
Can you see a gentle rise and fall within their chest or their belly as they breathe in and out?
And then notice the same with your own breath.
Just bring your awareness to your inhale and your exhale and observe your body.
Just notice that rise and fall within your own torso.
Beginning to feel connected.
Connected to the moment.
Connected to your pet.
Connected to your sense of self-awareness.
So just placing one hand or both on your beloved creature.
Just allow yourself to feel their skin or their fur.
Just observing the texture and the sensations that touching it creates on your own skin.
Notice if your pet feels soft.
Smooth.
Or a bit more rough or rugged.
Notice if you have a smile on your face right now.
I know I do.
So just observing any changes within the surface of your pet's fur or skin as you move your fingertips over the surface.
Notice any shadows or reflections of light or just changes to the texture.
And then go ahead and just observe the texture of your pet.
Notice the temperature too.
Are they warm?
Are they cool?
Or somewhere in between?
Go ahead and close your eyes right now.
Just allow yourself to close the external world out and come into the more internal awareness.
And just carry on stroking or touching your pet.
Just notice how it feels.
And then observe.
Can you hear them breathing?
Are they making any noises?
If they're asleep,
Maybe they're dreaming.
If there's no sound at all,
Just observe that too.
And then if it's available to you,
Just smell your pet.
Just noticing.
How do they smell?
Is it sweet?
Is it stinky?
Or is it something else?
And just notice how that makes you feel.
So either gently keeping the eyes closed or blinking them open so that you can come back to the sight of your pet.
And just beginning to notice how you feel.
Hopefully feeling calmer.
Grateful.
More relaxed.
Thank you so much for joining myself and Bramble in this mindful practice,
In this mindful moment.
It's been my pleasure to guide you today.
