How Pups Bring Presence

We are living in a constant state of fight or flight, overwhelmed and often disconnected. When it comes to living in the present moment, there is no better teacher than a dog.

Our Chaotic Culture

Many factors often distract us from the present moment from dwelling in the past; stress, anxiety, or being too preoccupied with present, ongoing situations; or ruminating over an uncertain future. Yes, these are valid distractions that often are overwhelming or all consuming (especially when concerning chronic pain or overall health issues, not to mention the state of the world today). Yet, we are not designed to reside within this chaotic culture, forcing ourselves into this constant state of fight or flight. Unfortunately, our society tends to steep humanity in fear in order to keep the few in power over the rest. You have every right to be scared, angry, upset and yet still hope for a better future. But it is all too much, to carry the weight of this world. Our current culture is crushing us of our vitality, of our opportunity to simply exist in the moment; therefore, I hereby prescribe you... to get a dog.

Disassociation to Dog Devotion

People of the chronic community know all too well the familiar, constant linger of *dissociation; however, anyone may experience this sensation, and I believe it has become a common ailment of the modern day. Between the constant stimulation from this "tiny, electric box" never far from reach, external and internal pressure to always be or do more, economic and political stressors from extreme events happening every second, to the common (or not so) daily predicaments of life; it is all too much to bear at once. I mean think about it, we were never meant to be so wired in, of knowing and being exposed to this plethora of irrelevant information (only irrelevant in being known after-the-fact news, or even "internet noise" falsely advertised as information). We are not meant to know all of these people, but yet not really know them, only the front/version of them they are willing to give on this digital realm. By Gods, we are drowning in words and pictures flashing by, dripping with anxiety and despair, desperate for attention. Ironically, we care too much about all of these things, too many things, that it becomes our undoing; we've lost the ability to truly care about something, someone, or anything at all (generally speaking). But more truthfully, we say we care but do nothing, nothing of real value thanks to the feelings of disconnection and self-preservation this social/digital media realm has habituated into us.

*Dissociation Definition

"A mental process where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It can occur as a defense mechanism against overwhelming stress, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, a sense of detachment from reality, and difficulty in managing emotions," as defined by the Mayo Clinic.

Will she ever stop angerly word vomiting on us over the issues of our modern society? Oh, like you weren't already thinking it, I just placed it onto ink. Seriously though, yes, we care. We care about people suffering, our burning planet, and being able to afford much less buy eggs. The problem lies in the powerlessness and fear behind knowing about all of this suffering without, respectfully, being able to do a thing about it. Then we continue to consume more media to become "numb" to those feelings, only to be further stimulated and overwhelmed; thus, the cycle continues. You can feel it; we all can feel this knot in our chests and the heaviness in our breath. And it is difficult to break out of this cycle, to find genuine connection. I honestly didn't realize how burnt out my brain was until I spent a few days alone with three furry fiends.

---

Along with being seemingly "stuck" in this period of my life, I was also stuck in this script of thoughts replaying in my mind. Thoughts about how my life came to be, how things could have been or should be, or thoughts on all of the things I should be doing or could do better. Simply put, criticizing thoughts on how I could be more than I am (we've all been there in our own minds). Being limited by my health, when a family friend asked if I could watch their house and dogs for a weekend, I jumped on the offer to help someone else for a change (if you know the feeling of 'uselessness' from limitations, then you may understand). I've always had a heart for dogs, but more so I saw this weekend as an excuse to get away: a new environment, away from all of the noise, routine, and [self-set] expectations when around those who see me every day. Yes, I could hide away my technology or change my routine anytime, but it is easier and different when you are someplace else, like when you go on a trip. It is an opportunity to embrace another version of yourself away from the known, from the comfortable. In the quiet moments in nature, I feel the most held, and in these moments, I am able to sit with my thoughts to see them as they truly are. Yet, being with three dogs in the mountain valley, I've experienced presence unlike I've had in a long time. The kind of presence where you are both so in tune and separate from yourself. Rather challenging to describe but easily understood once felt, so I hope I will be able to convince you to get a dog (or it you already have one, great, now go be with them:) or to at least spend more time alone, quietly in nature.

Present Pups

Dogs are some of the most present beings for they tend to thrive in the current moment. They don't tend to chew on the past or stress over the future, they are here now with you...

[Cue Inner Dog-alogue]

"You are sitting and writing, oh great! I will keep you company. It is time to go outside? Wonderful! Do you see that creature, there? Do you hear the birds? I will run ahead, but I will always come back to you to make sure you are here, enjoying this moment together."

When a dog is happy, they fully feel it then and there. When you are speaking to them, do you notice how intently they are listening, how you have their full attention? Dogs live in the present for that is all there really is, all we are promised. I would argue there is hardly a greater feeling than the overabundant love and trust a dog is so willing to give. A dog does not consider the cost of that love later to come. No, they love and trust you as they see you now, for now is everything there ever is or will be. Such unconditional admiration and loyalty is a precious wonder. A dog is a gift, and so is the present.

Importance of Presence

If these fury, little creatures can see me as "inherently worthy" of such care and kindness for simply being, then why couldn't I view myself in the same light? Life can be a complicated, complex paradox, but it doesn't have to be [perspective, my friend]. My inner dialogue followed this theme of "should be," but according to whom? I don't need to be or do anything, I just am. I am trying my best just like anyone else, that should be all we can expect of one another. As long as I am not causing any harm, and I continue to grow and create with good intention, then why should I care that my life and timeline look different from everyone else's, or even from what I previously imagined? I never asked to be sick, but it is a part of my journey none the less. I may not be responsible for my illness or for certain aspects of my past, but it is my responsibility for what I do with it. We all need to give ourselves a break, stop marching around in our heads so much (and more time off of our phones couldn't hurt), and tune into the world around us. Reconnect to who you are. In the end, you will lead a kind-hearted and peaceful journey that way.

Now, I know it is not reasonable for everyone to have a dog, so as usual, I will briefly leave you with a few actionable tips to help cultivate more presence in your own life:

1. Connect to your body

   1. A huge part of disconnection or dissociation could actually reside between your mind and your body. Check in with yourself to see how you feel and understand the cause, whether that be tension from stress, fatigue from overworking/lack of sleep or hunger, or other pressing signs from your body trying to tell you something. Listen. Your body is pretty good at telling you exactly what it needs.

      
      

2. Immerse yourself in nature

   1. We all need fresh air and real sunlight! Not only does nature directly influence your circadian rhythm, melatonin production, serotonin and other "feel good" hormones, but it is where we belong. I swear, if you don't feel better after 20 minutes sitting quietly outside, observing the plants and listening to the birds sing (and I mean give it an honest go), then you may clock me as crazy and move on with your day. Meanwhile, my dog and I may be found in the forest, thank you.

      
      

3. Engage with the elements

   1. There is a reason we feel a sense of peace and calm wash over us when we watch an open fire, swim in cool water, run our hands through soil, or feel the breeze comb out our hair. I will not pretend to know the full science behind it, but I know how it makes me feel and that is enough, so go mix in with the elements.

      
      

4. Consume with intention

   1. Stay with me here, pick up a [physical] book. [Audience gasps] Oh, so original. I know, you're welcome. Look, I don't care what you choose to consume, just do it with purpose, intention, passion. Try learning a new language just so you can speak with your neighbor, pick up an instrument because it fascinates you, read children's book just for the nostalgia of your childhood, study biology so you can connect to your child who cannot get enough of nature facts, write poetry not to be good but to be understood. Consume and create for the sake of being human.

      
      

5. Listen to yourself

   1. Usually, we try to snuff out our inner dialogue to evade from the constant criticism, but I've found the longer I sit with my thoughts, the more I realize that those thoughts are not me. Those first loud, demandingly desperate thoughts screaming in my mind are only trying to grab my attention. But why, you may ask? Well, faulty programming, I guess. What I mean by this is such thoughts come from the "self-preservation" part of the brain where anything that may separate me from the crowd is terrifying, because the brain doesn't want us to be alone [human evolution; aka, tribal survival]; however, when you sit and observe such thoughts, most of the time they don't resonate with what you honestly believe. My subconscious may shout, "no one wants to hear what you have to say, they will think this is all stupid, I mean what do you even have to offer," but in my heart I know that isn't true; I needed to hear this. I have more to offer than I realize, but even if I didn't, I know I am enough as I am and I will always have words, my writing, to turn to. As I said before, I am trying my best just like anyone else and that should be all we can expect of one another and of ourselves.

      
      

      So, with that, go chase the exhilaration of presence, and maybe spend some time with your dog too. Until next time,