Mindful Mutt Fails at Meditation In Favor of Squirrel Chasing and Disappoints Dog Owner, Redditors Playfully Poke Fun At 'Enlightened' Owner and His Canine Catastrophe

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Apr 12, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

The concept of mindfulness is tough for humans to grasp, let alone our furry friends. And yet, it doesn't stop one from trying, especially this Reddit user and his thoughtful pup, Hank.

Hank is a dog on a mission. A mission to please his owner and become the most zen pup on the block. But despite his best efforts, the pooch is struggling to find inner peace. The canine has taken to sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, and deep in thought. But his mind is constantly racing with thoughts of squirrels, belly rubs, and that pesky mailman who always interrupts his afternoon nap.

It's clear that Hank's mindfulness journey has taken a turn for the worse. And the pup's owner is at a loss for how to help him. Perhaps a doggy yoga class is in order? Or maybe a guided meditation led by a wise old Labrador retriever? What's a pup stuck supposed to do? In the meantime, he'll keep chasing his tail and barking at his own reflection. Hey, it's all about progress, not perfection!

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  • 01
    Font - My dog is struggling on his mindfulness journey [Emotional Support]
    via u/Thin-Combination-284

    At first, read this and we were like, "Huh, this might be an interesting story". Then we got to the [Emotional Support] and that was our first clue that this was going to be a good one. Who doesn't love a good sarcastic, satirical story?

  • 02
    Font - All, I know this is a fairly common topic in dog training, but I just had to vent here. My dog is struggling on his mindfulness journey, and it's really bringing me down. As an avid advocate of mindfulness, I was thrilled to share this part of my life with Hank (6yo mixed breed male). My goal was not to be "preachy," but to let him discover mindfulness on his own. So when we were riding together, I played Eckhart Tolle audiobooks. I would nod, stroke my chin and say something like "That's
    via u/Thin-Combination-284
  • 03
    Font - This seemed to be working at first. Hank began to meditate regularly. He would sit absolutely still and gaze at the wall, lost in tranquility as pure and perfect as a lotus flower sitting in a pond. One time he seemed to be doing yoga in the yard, but after closer inspection he was just pooping. Unfortunately, Hank is not progressing on his journey, and I feel really guilty about this. Though he appears to grasp the basics of mindfulness, esoteric and deeper aspects remain elusive.
    via u/Thin-Combination-284

    "Though he appears to grasp the basics of mindfulness, esoteric and deeper aspects remain elusive." HAH! This is gold. Just imagine sitting next to your dog and trying to teach him about mindfulness. The mental imagery itself is hilarious!

  • 04
    Font - For example, I led him through a practice recommended by Jon Kabat-Zinn, wherein the meditator contemplates and then mindfully eats a raisin. For safety, we substituted cheddar for raisins. Hank made ZERO effort to contemplate the cheddar. Even 20 seconds of meditation were beyond his capabilities. He ate it and ran away. We just returned from a walking meditation. It was particularly disappointing, since walking meditation is (supposed to be) a fairly easy practice. Walking slowly, spira
    via u/Thin-Combination-284
  • 05
    Font - I'm at my wit's end and would appreciate any feedback from those who have also been down this path. What worked? Should I gift him a Headspace subscription? Or is a more intense intervention required? There are some meditation retreats in Bali that look spectacular.
    via u/Thin-Combination-284
  • 06
    Font - DropsOfLiquid - 2 days ago I asked my dog & he told me Hank has already reached Nirvana & is simply testing your ability to do the same. He's concerned you are not doing a very good job but has faith you can potentially do better in the future. Best of luck. 1.4k Reply Share
    via u/DropsOfLiquid
  • 07
    Font - Doodle-e-doodle-e-do Yeah, my enlightened kitty agrees. He says to let go of your attachment and you'll see Hanks Buddha nature shine through your delusions. Good luck . 2 days ago
    via u/Doodle-e-doodle-e-do
  • 08
    Font - telltal 1 day ago . My ascended guinea pig told me that you will only find disappointment when you have expectations; therefore, if you wish to be happy, you must let go of your expectations.
    via u/telltal
  • 09
    Font - COphotoCo 18 hr. ago Nama-sit. Namaste. Good boy.
    via u/COphotoCo
  • 10
    Font - sorandom21 2 days ago Chasing a squirrel is actually an advanced level of mindfulness where he is living in the moment and enjoying the bounty of nature
    via u/sorandom21
  • 11
    Font - sistermarypolyesther 2 days ago Yes yes! This exactly! Dogs are innately mindful. We can only aspire to be half as mindful as our canine brethren.
    via u/sistermarypolyesther
  • 12
    Font - TreacleOutrageous296 2 days ago. edited 2 days ago 1 border collie, 1 coonhound Your problem started with the Tolle. Hank saw right through that derivative carp. Read him some Thich Nhat Hanh instead, and do some mindful walking together at his pace and on his path If that involves running after squirrels, then remember, you can run mindfully. Consider, as another commenter has suggested, that Hank might be trying to teach YOU.
    via u/TreacleOutrageous296
  • 13
    Font - MultipleXWingDUIS . 2 days ago nameSTAY
    via u/MultipleXWingDUIS
  • 14
    Font - braixenhazel 2 days ago Not gunna lie I was reading this confused for the first two paragraphs, telling myself to be open minded about it Imao
    via u/braixenhazel
  • 15
    Font - TeleHo 2 days ago Unfortunately, Hank is not progressing on his journey, and I feel really guilty about this. Though he appears to grasp the basics of mindfulness, esoteric and deeper aspects remain elusive. See this is your problem right here- being mindful means observing without judgement. Hank seems to be very 'present' in the moment and the world; have you considered that he's just farther along this journey than you are? Either way, a meditation retreat in Bali is definitely the bes
    via u/TeleHo
  • 16
    Font - Alarming_Vanilla_885 2 days ago Have you tried essential oils?
    via u/Alarming_Vanilla_885
  • 17
    Font - Nova ScotiaWild - 2 days ago . I tried to teach my dog mindfulness too but it turns out my dog is completely lacking in mind. The organic sparrow meat diet isn't working, unfortunately it seems it was the vaccines she received as a puppy.
    via u/NovaScotiaWild
  • 18
    Font - Feedme10tacos 2 days ago Look. Im going to level with you. Your tactics are thoroughly lacking. Here's what you need to add: Step 1: in the morning before he awakens, an essential oil diffuser is critical. Orange works best for wakefulness. Put that near his sleep space at least 30 mins bf he awakens. Step 2: crystals. He needs jade crystals shoved up his backside 4 times per day for at least 7.36 minutes each time. If he fights you on this, get a better/richer/deeper jade. Step 3: incens
    via u/Feedme10tacos
  • 19
    Font - ADCarter1 1 day ago Have you thought of having his aura photographed? From there you can work with an energy specialist who will target his chakra blockages to help release any negativity that's built up from past lives. The cleansing will help to activate and elevate his mindfulness journey so that he can ascend to his highest calling. You may also want to consider sound bath techniques. Some dogs respond well to wolf sound baths while others do much better hearing the sounds of farm ani
    via u/ADCarter1

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hilarious dogs pets owner mindfulness catastrophe squirrel zen cute satire canine doggos doggo funny dogs lol reddit thread playful Reddit funny animals meditation playing
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