by Sarah Arnette

Created on: May 26, 2010

Most people do not think of meditating with their pets. However, meditation can be good for the pets as well as their owners. Training a pet to participate in meditation is not as tricky as it sounds, and there have even been reports of dogs in Buddhist monasteries who participate in daily mediation without any training.

Understanding meditation is essential to getting a pet to participate. While the pet will not understand the concept of meditation, they will understand the concept of being quiet and still. Meditation does not mean signing “Ohm” for a period of time while sitting Indian style on the floor. Meditation is the quiet relaxation and emptying of the mind to obtain relaxation and spiritual awareness. Moving meditation allows for the emptying of the mind while keeping the body in a quiet movement. The most common form of movement meditation is Yoga.

When training a pet to participate in stationary meditation, begin by having the pet sit by you. Do not allow the pet to become anxious or playful. Do not reprimand the pet if he lies down and even falls asleep. This is normal for a pet. Staying awake and in a single place is not normal. Eventually the pet will recognize the meditation position as being one in which the dog must sit and be still.

When training a pet to participate in movement based meditation, it is important to keep the motions within the ability of the pet. Do not force the pet into positions in which the pet is uncomfortable. Use only a reward based training method and positive encouragement to assist the pet into movements and poses for meditation. In addition the pet can be used to assist in balance or as a weight during your movements. Just be careful not to put too much weight on the pet or to drop the pet.

There are many benefits for the pet and the person for meditating together. A hyper or tense pet can find relaxation in the quiet times of meditation. There can also be a stretching of tight muscles and joints in the movement based meditation. The pet will also experience a sense of communion with his owner as training and time together is extended. Many pets require a lot of attention from their owners and the meditation time can be a time for more attention paid to the pet.

 The person is more likely to continue the meditation regiment if a pet is involved. The person will also experience a lower stress level and lower blood pressure due to the presence of the pet. Science and medicine have shown how meditation can be great for lowering a person’s stress level and this has been shown to be improved by the addition of a pet. Bringing a pet into a meditation practice can greatly increase the desired results and be the best move a person can make towards their health. 

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