[ad_1]
After writing Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse and Paws for the Good Stuff, I was certain I’d explored every angle about how pets help us live healthier, happier, and more extraordinary lives. I was wrong.
A couple of weeks ago, while at the dog park, my friend Shar told me about an interview she heard on Glennon Doyle’s podcast, We Can Do Hard Things. Author Ross Gay was being interviewed about his latest book, which focused on a word that until then, I had given little attention. Hearing her speak of delight brought a smile to my lips that only got bigger when Grace flopped on the ground belly up as Zeke, Shar’s dog, tackled her with a playful pounce.
THE IMPACT OF WORDS
“We don’t give much thought to the words we use but they have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing.” According to Andrew Newber, MD and Mark Robert Waldman, coauthors of Words Can Change your Brain, a single positive word—like “peace” or “love”—can alter the expression of our genes and make us more resilient. Hostile language, in contrast, can interfere with genes that play a key role in protecting us from stress. Therefore, when I worked as an acupuncturist, I encouraged my clients to use different word options instead of saying “my diabetes, my heart disease, and especially–my cancer.” Doctors may have diagnosed them with the names of these diseases, but having an illness and owning it so intimately can often make the difference between surviving and thriving.
Every morning I cycle through power words. Gratitude, joy, abundance, compassion, empowerment; whatever word resonates most with me that morning, I focus on directing it to every part of my anatomy. Grief, fear, anger, and sadness may also show up, and that is fine. All emotions are welcome in this process. But as soon as I can, I escort those feelings out the door in exchange for something more life-affirming.
My dog, Grace, models many of these pawsitive words. Every morning she wakes up invigorated and joyful and insists I do the same. Despite the baffling, challenging, and mind-boggling world we live in, our animal friends can offer us an oasis of wellbeing; an island of delight; a place to visit often by strengthening our bonds with them and opening our hearts to the animal-human health connection.
MASTERS OF DELIGHT
Since that day in the dog park, I’ve been more mindful of delight. When Ken reaches for my hand or me for his, listening to the comfort in my sister’s familiar voice, enjoying the laughter of a good friend, and feeling Grace’s paw land on my lap – the power of delight lives in the nooks of our lives.
What can your cat or dog teach you about having a more delightful day? Please share your most delightful moment in the comments below.
Stay pawsitive and stay healthy,
Carlyn MDO 
PS: Do you love wildlife? Animal Protection New Mexico is a stellar organization committed to coexistence with wildlife. APNM’s efforts have banned traps, snares, and poisons from New Mexico’s public lands as well as coyote killing contests. Today, the Black bear, is under threat from wildlife management policies, climate change, and trophy hunters. Will you contribute to my fundraiser and support APNM’s mission to protect New Mexico’s wildlife and make humane the new normal? Click Here To Support August for Animals! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
[ad_2]
Source link