Moving Meditations with Ompractice
Episode: Ompractice Moving Meditations – 10 min Dog Walk with Dannika
Date: April 14, 2025
Host/Guide: Dannika
Episode Overview
This episode is a soothing, guided walking meditation tailored for dog owners and dog lovers. Dannika invites listeners to slow down and move mindfully during a walk with their canine companions. The focus is on deep presence, sensory awareness, connection, and gratitude, turning an ordinary dog walk into a mindful, joy-filled experience.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Scene & Intention
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Grounding into the Moment:
- Listeners are invited to pause before starting their walk, becoming aware of their bodies, breath, and the feel of the leash in their hands.
- Quote [00:30]:
“Take a moment to arrive in this present moment. Feel the ground beneath your feet, solid and supportive.”
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Setting an Intention:
- The encouragement is to use this time not just for the dog's sake, but for the walker's own connection and enjoyment.
- Quote [01:01]:
“…set an intention to be fully present this time. Not just for your dog to do dog things, but also for you to connect, to breathe, and to enjoy the simple act of… walking.”
2. Mindful Walking Practices
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Syncing with Movement:
- The pace and rhythm of the walk are attuned to both dog and walker, with Dannika suggesting listeners let their dog guide the tempo.
- Quote [01:28]:
“Sometimes when I’m with my dog on a walk, I actually let her take over the tempo, the pace, sometimes even the direction.”
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Sensory Awareness:
- Attention is drawn to sights, sounds, touch, and smells: colors in the surroundings, the textures of the leash, the padding of paws, the temperature of air, and scents in the environment.
- Quote [02:20]:
“Begin to observe the colors around you, the color of the sky, trees, movements of light and shadows…”
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Observing the Dog’s Experience:
- Listeners are prompted to imagine and savor how fully their dog is wrapped up in the walk, encouraging imitation of this presence.
- Quote [03:01]:
“…imagine how rich this experience is for your dogs and who is fully immersed in these moments.”
3. Deepening the Connection
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Shared Breath and Companionship:
- Brief pauses to tune into both the listener’s and their dog’s breathing are included to foster a sense of unity.
- Quote [04:25]:
“Inhale deeply through your nose, maybe add a smile, exhale slowly through your mouth and observe your dog’s natural breathing, perhaps noticing their chest rising and falling.”
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Gratitude and Joy:
- The walk is framed as an opportunity to reflect on the joy and trust shared with a dog, expressing silent gratitude and adopting a playful, dog-like mindset.
- Quote [05:01]:
“For a few more steps, express the silent gratitude for their presence in your life and for this time you are sharing to be fully present together.”
4. Closing the Meditation
- Transitioning with Mindfulness:
- As the walk draws to a close or listeners return to routine, Dannika encourages taking a last intentional breath and gesture of affection toward the dog.
- Quote [06:00]:
“When you and your dog are ready, acknowledge this experience with maybe one last pat on the head or kiss on the nose, carrying this sense of mindfulness and connection with you, perhaps even after you hang the leash back up.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On letting go and letting the dog lead [01:28]:
“Sometimes when I’m with my dog on a walk, I actually let her take over the tempo, the pace, sometimes even the direction.” —Dannika
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On sensory fullness [03:01]:
“…imagine how rich this experience is for your dogs and who is fully immersed in these moments.”
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On gratitude and presence [05:01]:
“For a few more steps, express the silent gratitude for their presence in your life and for this time you are sharing to be fully present together.”
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On closure and lingering mindfulness [06:00]:
“When you and your dog are ready, acknowledge this experience with maybe one last pat on the head or kiss on the nose, carrying this sense of mindfulness and connection with you, perhaps even after you hang the leash back up.”
Important Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction and arrival in the moment
- 01:01 – Setting intention for mindful walking
- 01:28 – Walking at the dog’s rhythm
- 02:20 – Engaging the senses (sight, sound, touch, and smell)
- 03:01 – Reflecting on the dog’s immersive experience
- 04:25 – Deep breathing and observing your dog’s breath
- 05:01 – Silent gratitude and shared presence
- 06:00 – Closing the meditation and carrying mindfulness onward
Summary
Dannika’s “10 min Dog Walk” episode is a gentle, nurturing guide that transforms an everyday activity into a meditative practice. Listeners are led to savor sensory details, slow their pace, share the experience with their dogs, and express gratitude, fostering both presence and deeper companionship. With vivid prompts and a caring tone, Dannika models how a simple walk can become an act of mindfulness and love.