The Tao of Dogs
Feng Shui for Your Pet
by Belinda Mendoza
Austin-based Feng Shui Consultant
Feng Shui is based on ancient wisdom and a philosophy known as the Tao, which is our connection with nature. Understanding that nature has its own rhythm and order. To live in the Tao is “going with the flow’, in its most basic sense.
It is living in the moment and being present. Knowing that the past is gone and the future has not come yet so make the most of this moment.
One of the most powerful ways to practice this is to own a pet.
I just became the mom of a baby yorkie who I named Bella Luna (beautiful moon) and the lessons just keep coming. As I type this to you, she is chewing up the feng shui mouse pad on my desk. Chewing is what she does best.
Before I brought her home, I made sure my home was puppy- proof. I made sure the house was clean and that there were no toxic things she might ingest on the floor.
Yes, de-cluttering, cleaning, and feng shu-ing my home for a dog sounds funny, but it is a great metaphor for life.
While I have had her only a month, she has brought me great joy. She has also taught me more love and compassion. Something that is too small to know what may harm them, takes constant supervision and enormous patience. Anyone with pets or children knows this all too well.
While she is a companion, she also gets me to get more exercise, have more regular bedtime routines, and meals.
She lives in the moment. She looks at everything with wonder and interest. She loves to play, give kisses, and be close.
She requires a more disciplined life and one that is organized and harmonious. As the dog whisperer on National Geographic says, “ I rehabilitate dogs and train people”.
Applying feng shui in the beginning, can help one be a great dog owner.
Feng Shui is all about placement, feel, and harmony in our environments. Like all living beings, our pets are constantly taking energy and information from the environment into their bodies.
Sadly, sometimes they’re absorbing toxins from our home and garden that we’re not even aware of, including furniture polish, pesticides, and air fresheners. These substances can make animals extremely sick and are sometimes lethal. To keep your pets healthy and safe, here are some common household dangers to avoid. Read more about protecting your pets.
Here are some key Feng Shui Tips that you can apply to your pet that will also influence the harmony in your life:
•Make sure your pet has a comfortable bed or crate to sleep in with their favorite toy and towel or blanket. If it’s a puppy, make sure they can see you so they don’t feel so alone.
•Bring in lots of color and variety in their toys for energy. Dogs see in color.
•Keep your voice low and loud noises down. Loud toys with irritating sounds will not only make you but your dog neurotic.
•Feed them healthy foods and treats. Use organic foods where possible.
•Give them purified water to drink.
•Keep them away from toxic household cleansers they might accidentally ingest. Use natural and “green” household cleansers.
•Limit your spraying of deodorants, hairsprays, room fresheners, perfumes. They have to inhale it and can’t tell you its too strong. Sprays also inhibit good chi flow.
•Use air filters if you smoke as pets are sensitive to odors. Their noses sense more than ours do. Air filters move chi so you keep a feeling of flow in the home.
•Give them daily walks to be in nature and move the chi in their body.
•Give your dog a massage to move their chi.
•Give your pet a nice view wherever they sleep or rest.
•Give your pet discipline when needed so they know you’re their pack leader.
•Give lots of affection.
•Take pictures of you and your pet and display in your family section (East).
•Socialize your pet with other dogs and people when old enough.
•Play calming music when you have to leave your pet at home for hours.
•Play calming music when riding in the car.
•Walk more slowly and mindfully throughout your home.
•Have a calm, assertive energy and so will your pet.
•Don’t correct or scold them using their name as they begin to associate their name with something bad. Just firmly say, “NO”. Use mindful speech with your pet.
In summary, set up your home for a pet that is clean, un-cluttered, and harmonious and you will all lead happier lives. Think about those people who live lives of chaos and bring a pet into it. The pet develops neuroses and health problems as a result. Dogs are very sensitive to energy, more so than cats. They will lie down in areas of the home where the energy feels good even if it’s in the middle of the kitchen and you’re having a dinner party. If your entire home has good energy, and your pet has a comfortable place to lay or retreat like a pad or an open crate, he or she will be content.
Bella, my yorkie and I would like to wish you and your pet(s) many years of joy and harmony.
Fortunate Blessings,
Belinda
Copyrighted 2007
