Affection: Its Place in the World

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Gailstrail

Recently, my friend went to a two week 50^th wedding anniversary celebration for her parents. It’s a huge celebration; her parents are re-marrying and as an ordained minister, my friend is performing the ceremony; creating a short film and presiding over the event. She’s been in an organizing frenzy for the past month or so. Anyway, the main point is that with all this going on her canines have been a little wanting …for affection. Affection is the number one element of ‘The Six Essential Elements Every Dog Needs.’

Affection has Broad Parameters

My parameters for ‘affection’ are very broad, especially when it comes to the animal and natural world, and of course, canines fall into this category. They love to be touched. Connecting with their essence, down to a particle level is so very exciting. You know when you get there; your furry friend has totally surrendered to the moment. You are at one: nurturing; bonding; blending; preserving an essence of communication that we rarely get to.

The Highest Gift we can Give

Affection is the highest gift we can give one another. It is imperative that we make time to nourish every element of ourselves and those around us. Especially those we have chosen to take responsibility for. It takes a lot of time and determination to discover our innate ‘godly’ strength, wisdom and intelligence. Without knowing who we are, we can not fully understand the ‘gifts’ we were given and the responsibility we have to this planet and its inhabitants.

Look to your Dog

To bring this to a practical application; look to your dog. They’re close and convenient and eager to participate. I’d like to put ‘affection’ in the Tao perspective. The practical application of the Tao can be demonstrated through meditative affection (massage) with your dog.

Finding Peace and Calm

First, find a calm and peaceful place; a place were you can put your mind in a quiet and peaceful place; a place where you and your canine can be alone with little distraction. Go to the floor and sit comfortably. Take several deep and slow breaths. Relax. Empty your head of thoughts. Listen to your breath. Try and feel your heartbeat. Be calm. Your furry friend is so in tune to your energy, and will pick up on your energy so easily, so it is extremely important for you to remain calm and peaceful during this exchange.

In the Beginning

Whether she/he is laying or standing, start out by placing your hands at the shoulders. Rub them slowly and gentle at first. Then increase the pressure as he/she becomes more accustomed to the touching. Move down the spine. Go slowly and gently, increasing the pressure as she/he leans into you. Go all the way to the tip of the tail. The tail is apart of the spine, so include it as well. Massage the sides of his/her body. Working your way back to the head and ears. Massage the back of the ears up to the tips and under the throat. Massage the chest and move down to the tummy. If your dog seems to want more; rub his/her legs. The rear leg tendons can be tight and tense, so pay especial attention there. Rub between the toes and each toe. Lingering where he/she indicates. Continue to breath slowly and remain calm during this exchange.

There is Life Around Us

When I share this with Pieper, I include a warm washcloth that I’ve dipped in an essential oil; Peace and Calm, Peppermint, Valor, Pain Away, whatever I feel Pieper could use. During this exchange I feel a sense of oneness and understanding with her. We have blended and bonded on a much different level. The exchange took a little over 20 minutes, not that I was counting.

I keep reminding myself, there’s life around me, what do I need to do to support it? Affection is a good start!

Oh, and for my friend, whom I’m house sitting for; Ani, Zeb and Pieper had a hike into the woods; and all had a dip of affection and are laying at my feet.

Happy Trails!