In the early morning hours when it is still dark and quiet, I sit on the sofa sandwiched between my two dogs. By this time, we’ve all been up for a few hours. The dogs are fed and walked. I’m dressed and caffeinated and ready to start my morning workout.
This is one of the best times of the day. As soon as Sparkles hears me sit down on the couch she runs over to jump up beside me for snuggles. I give her a big hug and massage while she squirts around making herself into a tiny upside-down puppy ball.
After a few minutes of this, Wiggles comes trotting into the room wanting to get in on the action. She jumps up on the other side of me awaiting her own gentle massage. Sometimes the dogs will start tussling with each other if they’re feeling playful. But most mornings, they both sigh contentedly and settle down for snuggles and massages that last up to 30 minutes.
I’ve begun my day this way for more than 20 years beginning with Ziggy and Shorty back when we lived in Pittsburgh. It has continued across multiple homes, dogs (and cats), jobs, schedules and life circumstances.
It started back then because I was newly sober in AA and had been advised to begin each day in meditation. I would sit on the sofa in the dark and attempt to meditate. I’d focus on my breathing and think about the upcoming day so I could mentally prepare myself for it. I go through a routine of AA recommended prayers. But mostly, I’d think about how much I loved my dogs and how good it felt to be snuggled up with them enjoying the moment.
Since then, meditation has become a frequently recommended cultural norm in the US. There are books, apps and gurus who hype it. Many people discuss how difficult it is for them to meditate, how they cannot do it for more than a few minutes or how they struggle to find time for it.
I’ve read the books, tried different techniques, discussed practices with friends and eventually found my own way with meditation.
Instead of it being a separate part of my life, I have incorporated into other activities.
If you are struggling, I suggest sitting down on your sofa and focusing on giving your dog your full attention and love and savoring that time together.
You might one day find your own way too.