Just a few days ago I wrote about how Gidget rarely spends time in my writing cottage as she did in previous years. As I’ve become more aware of allowing her to make her own choices instead of automatically scooping her into my arms thinking she wants to be with me, I’ve discovered she is perfectly content to stay in the house.

I also shared how when she did spend time in this space with me, where I go through my morning rituals before settling down to work, meditation being one of them, that often she was wiggly when I’d place her next to me in my big chair where I like to meditate.

As the colder temperatures have now become the norm for the season, I find myself wanting to linger as long as possible in my 1,100 square foot home before heading out to my 10 x 12 writing cottage. Home is one of my core values and though I’m not always fond about the cold temperatures outside, I do love the cozy feeling this time of year provides.

And so wanting to linger longer, I’ve been doing my yoga practice and meditation in my living room, with Gidget snoozing nearby in her bed. 

There is no right or wrong way to meditate, but what feels right, I believe. Of late, I’ve been laying on my back on my yoga bolster with my arms out to the side as I listen to a favorite meditation on Insight Timer. 

Just this week, everyday so far, something new and welcoming has occurred. Within about five minutes of my meditation, I will feel a little cold snout push its way under my hand. Then soon enough a soft, silky long body will be pushed up against my arm.

You know what they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder?

While I’ve grown to be more in partnership with Gidget, allowing her to make her own choices, there are times I do miss her in when I’m in my writing space. 

But these last three days and her wish of wanting to be within the space of my meditation has warmed my heart. As I finished the last pose of my yoga today, Gidget popped her head up from under her blanket and made her way over to me.

Holding her tiny face in my hands, I said, “Does someone want to meditate again today?”

This time I sat on the sofa and waited to see if she wished to join me. Sure enough. She sat at my feet looking up at me.

Picking her up, crossing my legs over each other, I nestled her into the hollow space of my legs. Calm as could be, and together, we shared a space of 15-minutes of stillness and peace.

Namaste – “the divine in me honors the divine in you” my dear little buddha dog. 

XO,

Barb