Being a professional dog sitter in Long Beach feels like putting on a creative hat—it's something I do, but it’s not who I am. To truly experience myself in the moment, I rely on a disciplined practice of stillness. Tuning into the sensations in my body helps me anchor to the present. Animals, though, seem to do this effortlessly. Having cared for and observed countless animals over the years, I've come to admire their natural ability to be still, to stay attuned to the flow of nature. In many ways, they are the ultimate teachers of presence. In this post, I’ll share the top three lessons I’ve learned from animals about life, presence, and gratitude.
The key to being right here right now is relaxation and stillness
When I talk about stillness and relaxation, I’m really referring to the same thing: a state of being where we fully settle into ourselves. Relaxing into your body allows you to be who you are when you're not lost in the stories you tell about life or yourself. When was the last time you let go of all tension, fully relaxing your muscles and just felt into your body? Animals have a natural gift for this. Whether they’re lying in the sun, gazing out the window, or chewing on a favorite toy, they are fully present, completely relaxed in their bodies. Alert, yet serene, they stay in tune with their true needs and desires, not creating from a place of lack or self-judgment.
Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness
Having an attitude of gratitude for the little things can make a world of difference. I’m sure many of us have witnessed the sheer joy of a dog when they greet you after a long day—stoked to curl up on the couch, bask in the sun, or head out for a walk filled with sights, smells, and sensory delights. It’s as if their thankfulness for the simple moments helps them stay relaxed and fully present. Inspired by this, I’ve made it a daily habit to cultivate gratitude for things I once took for granted. For example: thank God for my car! It gets me to all my dog sits. I’m so grateful for my fingers—they’re pretty essential, and I use them a lot! And I never forget to thank my water bottle, because it keeps me hydrated and travels with me everywhere! As I’ve made gratitude a daily practice, I’ve noticed a real sense of aliveness in me—like I’m more tuned in to life’s small, yet beautiful gifts.
The nature of life is spontaneity and surprise
For years, I tried to control life, which is pretty hilarious considering how little control I actually had over the way my life has unfolded. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve shown up with courage and trust, doing my best. But many things have simply appeared in my life without me orchestrating how they would unfold. Animals, on the other hand, seem to have mastered the art of doing nothing—yet they effortlessly demand to be taken care of by life itself. And life provides. They don’t judge themselves, and their concept of time seems almost nonexistent (I’d argue they sense feeding time rather than track it with a clock). Without being attached to an identity, animals don’t create worry about the future or get stuck in perceptions of the past. This sense of effortless being, I believe, is why they’re so resilient and at peace with life—completely okay with whatever does or doesn’t happen.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend so much time with animals, and in doing so, I’ve found countless ways to thrive in my own life. These experiences have shown me how crucial it is to be relaxed and nonjudgmental with myself, to feel my emotions as pure sensation, and to experience my true self as pure awareness. I can confidently say that animals, in their simplicity and grace, continue to be my teachers—showing me every day how to be truly alive, aware, and deeply in love with life.
Looking for a dog walker in Long Beach? Perhaps a dog sitter in Belmont Shore? Head to my Services section to schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet! Reach out to me on Instagram!
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