17 Comments

We truly don't deserve dogs. There is so much I learn from my own dogs that I struggle to mirror onto myself. But I'll keep trying. My dogs never judge, they're always willing to forgive, and they practice unconditional love. They're just the best.

Expand full comment

I couldn’t agree more. I learn something new from them every day.

Expand full comment

Yes! Sometimes just my dog’s look will tell me what I need to tell myself. “It’s ok, ma. You got this.”

Expand full comment

Yes!! When my girl Pants looks at me, it’s all warmth and love.

Expand full comment

This is something I can finally understand. I have always had a problem with self compassion which is funny because I am south a compassionate person with almost anyone and everyone else. Since my husband’s death 4 years and 4 months ago, I have been told many times to practice self compassion. I have never been able to grasp what that meant or how to practice it on myself. Now I get it. I have always pushed through any physical or emotional pain in the past. I couldn’t figure out why that wasn’t working with grief.

Expand full comment

Lisa, thank you so much for your comment. It means so much to me to know that this article helped you understand self-compassion. To me, it truly is one of the most powerful and important things for healing. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope that you will continue to find ways to walk with your grief and move through it.

Expand full comment

I have a cat, although I do love dogs!

My cat has been a loving companion for over 14 years. He survived my fiancé who died 10 years ago.

Several nights ago, I had a stomach ache while laying in bed. I asked my cat to come lay on top of my stomach and heal me. I read that purring is a healing frequency that lowers blood pressure among other positive things. Sure enough, after a few moments, I did feel better and the pain has not returned. Some nurse!

Expand full comment

What an amazing experience! I also love cats, and hope to have a cat again someday. My first pet was a massive one-eyed tabby with a purr that could shake the walls. He was the best boy! ❤️

Expand full comment

Fabulous idea to connect self compassion to our relationship with pets. I imagine many people will relate!

Expand full comment

Thank you so much!

Expand full comment

When I couldn't think of anything nice to say about myself, I look at my dog and say something nice about her that reflects something nice about me lol.

Expand full comment

I mean, she is a perfect dog because you were so diligent in training her, so I see no flaw in this plan.

Expand full comment

lol thanks, exactly

Expand full comment

I love how you're able to relate pretty much every human thing to dogs.

And, re: this post...I totally get it. I give/get full-body hugs multiple times a day from Dezi and I think both of us get the reassurance we need from the same hug.

Expand full comment

Yes! I can't walk by Pants without give her a snuggle or a scratch. I love love love the research that has proven that dogs experience the same "love" response in their brains that their humans do when they see each other. They DO love us!

Expand full comment

What a more loving world this would make, if we applied this both at home with ourselves, and abroad with others.

Expand full comment

Amen! I think of extending compassion to myself and others as a practice - something I want to intentionally check in with myself about and mindfully do daily. It's not a box I will ever check off my list as "done." Rather, it's something I'll need to practice forever.

Expand full comment