EP:13 Homecoming: Being Present With Our Dogs

Listen to the interview with Tara Brach

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Guest

Tara Brach

Hosts

Mark Drucker and Drew Webster

Producer and Editor

John LaSala

TAKEAWAYS

• Slowing down, softening, and opening ourselves can help us truly listen to and respond to our dogs’ needs.
• Practicing mindfulness and compassion can help us throw water on the fire of conflict and foster healthier relationships.
• Approaching our pets with presence, kindness, and curiosity will deepen our connection with them.
• Let go of expectations and judgments, and instead, focus on understanding and meeting our pets’ needs.
• Fully grieve the loss of a pet to honor the love that was shared and to open our hearts to a timeless sense of connection.
• Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings—interbeing—and the impact we have on each other.

SUMMARY

In this episode of Love, Dog: The Podcast, hosts Mark Drucker and Drew Webster interview Tara Brach and discuss a number of topics related to mindfulness and presence in the context of our friendship with our dogs and all animals. The conversation dives deep into the benefits and joy we humans receive when we’re present and curious about our dogs different behaviors. There’s a nice talk between the hosts and Tara about the benefits of walking and playing with our dogs. In the second-half of the show, they have an important discussion about the grief we experience when we lose our dog.

Tara emphasizes the need to slow down, soften, and open ourselves to truly listen to, and respond, to our dogs’ needs. She explores the concept of receptive energy and how it can help create a sense of security and trust. She shares personal experiences and practices that can deepen our connection with animals and foster a sense of reverence for all life. She talks about letting-go of expectations and judgments, and instead, approaching our pets with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to understand their needs.

Overall, the conversation highlights the power of mindfulness and compassion for deepening our connection with our dogs and creating more meaningful relationships.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Show opens

10:30 Being Your Dog’s Best Friend: Friendship and Companionship

27:19 Learning from Dogs: What They Teach Us About Ourselves and Relationships

30:40 Paying Attention with Intention: The Power of Mindfulness

43:59 Receptive Energy: Slowing Down and Softening

48:45 The Value of Mindfulness and Compassion

55:27 Letting Go of Expectations and Embracing Play

01:11:06 Honoring Grief and the Love We Shared

01:19:45 Recognizing Interbeing and Cultivating Connection

01:24:28 Begin Guided Meditation

LINKS

Tarabrach.com

The SpiritHouse Project – Ruby Sales

The Big Fix Uganda

Mary Oliver, Poet

Mark Doty, Poet

Pawsitive Change, Zach Skow

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DISCLAIMER

Our podcasts are for your enjoyment and for general education and information purposes only. We interview veterinarians, scientists, behavior consultants, dog trainers, influencers, etc. You must always consult with your own [credentialed] canine and pet practitioners before implementing any training program or course of medical diagnosis and/or treatment.