Howls From The Founder
HOWLS FROM THE FOUNDER
A CONVERSATION WITH TARA BRACH
July 3, 2024
Tara Brach with her puppy, Nikki
The very simple idea of going on walks with your dog comes up in our shows time and time again; I’d venture to guess in over half of the podcast episodes we’ve done. I can’t seem to let it go!
I’m sure I’ve mentioned in an earlier newsletter that back in 1991, when I got my first Golden Retriever, a friend gave me a book called How to Be Your Dogs Best Friend. Written by The Monks of New Skete, it’s become a training bible to many. For me, it has had a lasting impact, more than just about anything I’ve ever read on the topic. Within the text, the monks emphasize the importance of daily walks. It has to do with consistency, and it also has to do with the fact that the dog looks forward to it . . . he or she needs and loves the time outside, whether on the grass, in the woodlands, or on the beach. And they love their time with their human!
As it turns out, there’s as much pleasure for us on these walks as we spend the time attuned to this four-legged best friend of ours and to nature itself. They are magical moments—a time we can take for meditation. A time for quiet reflection and, yeah, raucous play!
As I read those passages from the monks so many years ago, I imagined myself tagging along for their walks in the woods that surround the monastery in upstate New York. To this day, thinking about those walks brings me peace, and I’ve created my own version over the years, whether in Central Park, the hills of Los Angeles, on the beaches of the Hamptons, or now, at every sunrise, in the foothills along the front range in Boulder. When we take these walks, my dogs smile in a way that communicates how they treasure this time . . . just us, experiencing the outdoors together.
Tara Brach talks often of her affection for all animals, and she often describes her sunrise walks along the Potomac River with her dog. Her walks have an exquisite quality to them . . . they always resonate with a sense of freshness as they experience the simple riches and luxury of nature. They navigate the woodsy trails nearby, revel in the sounds and sights of nature, commune with their other “friends” who sing and tweet and chirp and splash and fly and dive, and they momentarily let the worries and concerns of our crazy world fade away. I’ve always felt as though I’m right there, walking alongside them.
We’re so glad she accepted our invitation to come talk with us. And, once again—not by accident—we begin our conversation with a chat about her walks with her dog, and then we “talk” the trails of animal sentience, interbeing, presence and mindfulness, grief, play, and more. This is a truly beautiful conversation, and if you haven’t listened to this episode, I think you’ll enjoy it if you do.
WAYS TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
You can listen here on lovedog.com. You can also listen on your favorite podcast app by clicking here. And, all episodes are now available on lovedog.com by clicking here. If you’d like to watch a video version, you can view it here on Tarabrach.com.
OUR SPONSOR
We thank our sponsor, Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews. Based on the latest scientific findings, Jope is a supplement that was created by a veterinarian and contains UC II collagen, Omega 3’s and curcumin. Click here to learn more about Jope and receive a special discount for being part of the Love, Dog community. By the way, I give them to Hank, my 5-year-old lab, as a preventive measure.
Enjoy the show! Our final episode of Season 1 will be released later this week. It’s a wonderfully moving and inspiring interview with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts.
Until next time,
Cheers and Happy Howls to you all!
Mark