I’ve recently subscribed to a meditation app. I’ve tried meditation in the past but didn’t manage to keep it up. Following a programme seems to suit me, and apparently it suits Flossie too.
I hadn’t planned on involving Flossie but she happened to be in the room when I first tried it out so it’s become a daily practice for both of us.
I sit quietly, concentrating on the instructor’s soothing voice while Flossie settles down at my feet with a paw across me, just so she knows exactly where I am.
Usually, we experience the session in silence and I suspect Flossie sometimes dozes off. It seems to bring peace and harmony to both of us. This is most welcome in the current surreal world we find ourselves in.
However, as we sink into our zen-like state, everything can change in a lightning flash if the postman makes an appearance. Then all hell breaks loose.
Flossie leaps up into the air like Tigger on steroids as she sprints to the front door. The ear splitting barks jolt me out of my reverie and all hope of calm leaves the building.
It takes us some time to recover. Flossie rushes around huffing and puffing with indignation that somebody dared to post something through the letterbox, while I take several deep breaths to slow down my now racing pulse.
I pick up the post and place it on the kitchen table. We take a few minutes before returning to the living room to resume our positions.
It’s going to take a little while to get the hang of this. Avoiding times where post or deliveries might arrive is critical.
But, when we manage an uninterrupted session, which thankfully is most of the time, it feels beneficial and positive for both of us, even if it is for just a few minutes.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 26 November 2020
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.