Hello,
Dear one.
My name is Olivia Joy St.
Clair.
Welcome to today's meditation,
Honoring our dog companions.
Let's settle into a comfortable position and allow yourself to relax,
Taking a few slow,
Deep inhales and exhales.
Breathe in and release.
Breathe in again and exhale.
Feel your heart space open and receptive.
Some of us had a special one in childhood,
While others are introduced later in life.
They arrive in all manner of ways,
Through planning or happenstance.
However,
One thing is certain.
Knowingly or unknowingly,
A dog changes our life and us forever.
The word dog,
So short and simple,
Conveys so much more when spoken or heard.
We immediately feel something.
Memories come flooding back.
They are our companions,
Co-pilots,
Childhood best friend,
Protector,
Hiking buddy,
Travel pal,
Child,
Teacher,
Guru,
Confidant,
Best friend,
Healer,
Soulmate.
They become family.
They become intertwined.
Dogs show us how to love and how to live,
Leading by example,
Because of course they can't speak,
Although they communicate so well.
We learn another language with them.
They invite us to be present and delight in the moment.
Knowing all that is needed is food,
Shelter,
Exercise,
And love.
And that is enough.
Together you learn to love,
To nurture,
To trust,
The exuberance of puppyhood,
And the beauty of slowing down with an old dog you've lived lifetimes with.
Through them,
We meet new people,
Go new places,
And participate in new activities.
Our lives and heart become wider and fuller.
We speak in a new voice and language shared just with them.
And we are showered in unbridled,
Unconditional love that changes us as we learn to see ourselves and the world in new ways.
Each ordinary day becomes a shared adventure.
Routines of walks and meals are established.
We grow accustomed to their presence,
Jingling tags,
Toes tapping,
Drinking at the water bowl,
Squeaky toys,
Their breath,
And breathing.
These moments and experiences fill our days and our hearts.
We watch them play,
Settle in when feeling off,
Stretch,
Nap,
Respect the pecking order,
And we learn.
Through their presence,
We become a better human,
A better version of ourselves.
Some have the opportunity to love and be loved by more than one dog.
And some have the special blessing of having a one in a million heart dog in their life.
This is a very rare dog,
Meant for just one person.
And that dog has one person meant for them.
When they find each other,
It's as if the sun is always shining and their hearts are filled with happiness and love.
And you're never the same,
Forever changed in the most beautiful way.
Dogs remind us to see the beauty and goodness in life and in ourselves.
They raise our vibration with their beautiful energy.
Sometimes we overlook these sacred moments with our animal companion.
Let memories and love fill your heart.
Arrive now in stillness.
Close down your eyes and slowly breathe in love and release.
Breathe in gratitude and exhale.
Allow your breath to fall into its normal rhythm as you feel any tension release from your face.
Roll your shoulders and allow them to ease down away from your ears.
Feel tension melt away from your neck.
Imagine now a white light beginning to form around you,
Infusing you with a feeling of love and well-being.
Feel a sense of complete calm come over your mind and body.
Stay here surrounded in this beautiful light,
Allowing appreciation and gratitude for your dog guides and spirits to fill your being.
A soft chime will sound before we conclude.
A soft chime will sound before we conclude.
A soft chime will sound before we conclude.
A soft chime will sound before we conclude.
Slowly come back into awareness,
Taking a deep breath in and release.
Do this a couple more times,
Breathing in deeply,
Belly rising and breathing out.
And again,
Belly rise,
Breathing out.
Become aware of your body and your surroundings.
Gently open your eyes when ready.
May you take the sense of gratitude,
Love,
And connection with your pet into your day.
Thank you for meditating with me.
High five and namaste.
