Why Your Pet Can Make An Excellent ‘Sitter’ During A Breathwork Session
Sometimes, during the sharing circle after an online breathwork session, participants share that during the journey their pet came into the room and joined them. Cats may gracefully perch themselves on their owner’s belly, while dogs may nuzzle their owner, give them kisses, or make some other type of connection. This is not surprising, as animals are remarkably intuitive and much more sensitive to our energy and emotional states than we often give them credit for!
When we engage in breathwork, we enter an expanded state of awareness, becoming more open and vulnerable. Dogs and cats possess an uncanny ability to pick up on our moods, stress levels, and even our intentions, and because of this attunement, they will naturally gravitate toward us during vulnerable or intense moments. It’s as if they sense that something special and transformative is happening and want to be a part of it. So, if you want to have a sitter for your breathwork session and there is nobody available, simply look to your four-legged family member!
What Makes Your Furry Friend the Perfect ‘Sitter’ for Your Breathwork Session:
- They Are Proficient at Sensing Emotions: Dogs in particular are incredibly sensitive to human emotions. During your breathwork session, you may experience a wide range of emotions, from deep introspection to moments of intense vulnerability. Dogs (and some cats) are skilled at picking up on these emotional states and can provide comfort, reassurance, and a grounding presence, which can be especially valuable during moments of intensity, anxiety, or fear.
- They Provide a Safe Space with Unconditional Love and Acceptance: Our pets offer us unwavering love and acceptance. When we embark on a breathwork journey, we may confront difficult memories, traumas, or emotional baggage. Our pets do not judge or hold any preconceived notions; they simply provide a safe and nurturing space where we can explore, process, and release these intense feelings.
- They Teach Us Presence: Dogs and cats live in the present moment (click here for an article on how to be more present in breathwork and in life). Their presence can serve as a reminder to us in our breathwork sessions to stay present and connected to the breath.
- They Offer Physical Comfort: When our pets cuddle up to us we experience a soothing physical connection. The warmth and comfort of our pet’s presence can release oxytocin and help us relax and experience a deeper sense of safety during our breathwork session.
- They Enhance Our Connection to Nature: Many people who participate in breathwork journeys seek to connect not only with themselves but also to the natural world on a deeper level. Dogs and cats, being intuitive connected beings, can facilitate this sense of connection, acting as a bridge between humans and the natural world.
- They Bring Playfulness and Lightness: Dogs in particular are known for their playful and joyful nature. During the intensity of a deep breathwork journey, a dog’s playfulness can bring moments of levity and lightness, which can be therapeutic and help balance the often serious or profound aspects of the journey. This playfulness can also support grounding after the breathwork journey is complete.
- They Support Grounding & Nervous System Regulation: Petting your dog or cat after a breathwork session can help activate the “rest & digest” Parasympathetic Nervous System, and support you in grounding back into your body.
Closing Thoughts on Having Your Pet as a Sitters During Your Breathwork Session
The unspoken connection between humans and their pets during breathwork is a testament to the depth of the bond we share with our furry companions. They are more than just observers; they become active participants in our quest for self-improvement and emotional well-being. So, the next time you embark on a breathwork journey, don’t be surprised if your cat finds a cozy spot on your belly or your dog nuzzles you gently. They are responding to the energetic shifts and heightened awareness that comes with the practice. Embrace their presence, for it adds an extra layer of support and love to your breathwork, reminding you that, even in the realms of healing and self-discovery, you are never truly alone.
Cultivate Deep & Lasting Change with a Free Month of Neurodynamic Breathwork Online
Our mission at Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) is to make breathwork affordable and accessible to the masses. We understand that the neurons that fire together wire together, which in simpler terms means if we want to create lasting change, we need to train our brains through repetition. This is why we offer 2-hour online breathwork sessions several times throughout the week, so that people can create a consistent practice. As a part of our membership, we also offer FREE monthly EFT classes which is an excellent tool for emotional regulation, integration, and grounding, plus free Breathe&Reset™ classes.
If you would like to join our global community, and cultivate lasting positive change, we invite you to register for free! After your first free breathwork session, you will receive an email with access to a free one month NDB Subscription.
Click here to find out more about our online breathwork process.
