Late monday night dharma
Are dogs hidden therapists?
Dogs help you reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, particularly in clinical and hospital settings. Interacting with doggos can boost your mood, lower blood pressure, and promote emotional comfort through physical touch and companionship.
One area of life where I struggle is emotional regulation. Frustrated feelings of anger, boredom, or loneliness cause my mind to gravitate towards obsessive thoughts or addictive cravings. When harmful cycles overwhelm me, I long for quick escapes. In the past few years, this has looked like rolling up a joint. Smoking pot provides short-lived clarity but often leaves me with lingering hatred towards myself since I know it is not a mindful practice. I’ve found reading about Buddhism, meditating, taking long walks, and talking to animals to be helpful distractions. Let’s take a moment to dive into the science of each method of natural relaxation.
Spiritual engagement fosters a sense of hope. When you pray, give thanks to higher deities, make a humble donation, or even volunteer, you feel a broader sense of community. Worshipping at temples has helped me take longer T-breaks and improve my attitude towards religion. The Dinh Quang temple in Springfield serves as a stark contrast to the mega church I grew up in. Sunday service used to involve bright lights, a grand sanctuary, polished speakers, a parking lot full of luxury cars, paired with lots of other nonsense. Sitting on the temple floor, listening to calming bells, reciting mantras, and attending classes taught by monks shines a fresh light on what religious practice looks like. Western Buddhist practice is a simple way to begin loving religion again.
Volunteering at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri has gifted me the opportunity to speak very deeply with dogs. Pets provide nonjudgmental companionship, which makes it easier to express feelings openly and safely. Verbalizing thoughts to a pet can lessen loneliness, anxiety, and stress. Research shows that interacting with animals lowers cortisol levels and boosts oxytocin. Whether it’s a daily chat with your loving animal, volunteering at a shelter, or another way to meet furry friends, this simple act fosters genuine happiness.
Meditation is powerful! By focusing attention on the breath, you can train your brain to observe thoughts without reacting to them. This can interrupt overthinking and calm your nervous system. Regular meditation has also been shown to improve sleep. As little as 10 minutes a day can make a meaningful impact on your life.