Our dog is brilliant at knowing what he needs to balance his system.
A dip to cool off on a hot day, a full body shake after a stressful experience, time on his own in an empty room when he wants space, to be right up next to you when he doesn’t.
If he’s cross, or frustrated, or scared, or overwhelmed by his surroundings, there’s generally a clear reason.
There’s a simplicity to it. Noticing when he’s out of balance and finding what he needs to come back to it.
While we lead more complicated lives than Freddie, there’s a lot to learn from his process.
I know I can often get out of balance - through not paying attention to what I need until I’m grumpy, or tired, or overwhelmed, or something happens that knocks me off centre, or there’s simply a lot going on in my life or with the people around me.
And that’s absolutely fine.
We’re all going to get knocked off balance - in big or small ways. It’s about noticing, and knowing what will help us come back to centre.
There are so many options, and different things work differently for each of us at different times.
Sometimes it helps to shake things off. To move our body - walk, stretch, run, jump, stand up. Other times it helps to be still.
Sometimes it helps to have some closeness. A hug, someone to talk to, being together in silence. Other times it helps to take some space on our own. To nap, watch or listen to something, cry or write it out.
Sometimes it’s about the basics - have we eaten enough? Had enough to drink? Need some fresh air? Other times it’s about so much more.
What helps you balance your system?
And what would help you remember them when you get knocked off centre?
Wishing you all a week of finding your own inner balance,
