Spending time with animals has been scientifically proven to increase our wellbeing, making us feel happier, calmer and reducing anxiety levels. On a physical level it can help to increase our immune function, pain levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate.

We can learn so much about being mindful from the animal kingdom and spending time with animals in a mindful way can be a beautiful experience.  Animals live in the present moment, free from judgement and they know how to have fun! It is wonderful to connect with the energy of animals in an intimate way and hard not to take on their attributes of relaxation, curiosity and play. Earning their trust and knowing that they feel safe with you is an honour and privilege in itself, warming the heart. Larger animals like cows, horses and tapirs often have a calm presence and slow heart rate which helps us to feel calm and soothed, whilst smaller animals like monkeys, goats, meerkats have a more playful energy making us smile and laugh. Often our domestic pets, dogs and cats can give great emotional comfort and support.

Giving ourselves the time to connect with animals on a physical and emotional level allows us to really be in the present moment and to leave all our worries behind. My favourite animals to be mindful with (apart from my two collies) are tapirs. Their calm and gentle demeanour and obvious pleasure in being groomed leaves you feeling joyful, grateful and warm inside knowing that you are able to connect with these lovely animals and help them feel calm and happy too. 

Mindfulness with Animals is part of a retreat day I’m running with Armathwaite Hall and the Lake District Wildlife Park.