In today's society, meditation is increasingly being used as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, and to find inner peace. And while it may seem surprising, dogs can play an important role in this practice. Indeed, meditating with a dog can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even increase a sense of overall well-being.

Various studies have shown that animals can have positive effects on human mental health. In particular, a study conducted in 2018 that revealed that the presence of dogs during a meditation session had a relaxing effect on participants. In fact, researchers found that levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, decreased in participants who meditated with canines.

But how can dogs help with meditation?

Dogs have a natural ability to stay grounded in the moment without worrying about the past or the future. By meditating with our dog, we can learn to adopt this same mindset. By focusing on our companion's breathing, physical presence, and emotional state, we can then be more grounded in the moment and calm our mind.

Dogs are social beings that offer us unconditional emotional support. When we meditate with our animal, we can feel safer and more supported, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, the physical presence of Medor can have a calming effect on our body and mind.

Meditation can be difficult for beginners because the mind has a tendency to wander. However, the presence of our dog can help us focus. By focusing on our dog's breathing, physical presence, and emotional state, we can maintain our attention, helping us stay focused during meditation.

Meditating with our dog can also help us develop compassion.. By focusing on our dog's feelings and needs, we can develop greater empathy and compassion for other living beings. This can help us better understand the emotions and needs of our loved ones and ourselves.

Rachel Bregger, a dog owner who started practicing meditation with her dog to manage her anxiety, noticed that it helped her feel more calm and focused. “My dog is a great meditator. It's always there and it helps me focus on my breathing,” explains Rachel.

Another example is that of Tina Gilbertson, a therapist who wrote about the benefits of meditation with dogs in her book “Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings by Letting Yourself Have Them.” She discovered that meditating with her dog helped her feel more relaxed and more connected to her pet. “I feel closer to my dog when we meditate together. We have a deeper connection,” she says.

Meditating with a dog can therefore have numerous mental health benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall sense of well-being. Dogs can help stay grounded in the moment, provide emotional support, help with focus, and develop compassion.

If you want to try meditation with your dog, here are some tips to get started:

1. Find a quiet, quiet place where you can meditate together.

2. Sit back comfortably and focus on breathing yourself and your dog.

3. Try to stay focused on your dog during meditation, noting their breathing, physical presence, and emotional state.

4. Be patient and don't get discouraged if it takes time to reach a state of deep meditation.

5. Remember that every meditation experience is different, so be open-minded and enjoy the experience.

Meditation with a dog can therefore be a beneficial practice for mental health. Dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall feelings of well-being. Try meditating with your dog and see how it can help you feel more calm, focused, and connected to your pet.