How to See Yourself Through Your Animal’s Eyes

Most of us want to do things well. Some of us want to be perfect. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, at some point you need to make peace with your imperfections. Do you think your animal judges and criticizes you? Of course not! This week I invite you to try this simple practice of viewing your world from your pet’s perspective.

Start by acknowledging things as they are and try to put aside your lens of judgment. For example, if you’re waiting in line, the moment you notice yourself feeling aggravated, stop and acknowledge the aggravation. Observe the feeling in your body and notice where you are holding tension. By the time you’ve finished this exercise, you’re likely to feel less aggravated and perhaps more empathetic toward others around you.

Likewise, if you find yourself feeling ashamed of some imperfection, acknowledge it and investigate the insecurity in the same way.

When you do this, you’re opening up to understand the specific feeling, while caring about yourself at the same time.

Our four-legged companions see us with so much admiration. They effortlessly accept themselves and whatever comes their way. By seeing ourselves through their eyes, we water the seeds of self-acceptance and begin making peace with our imperfections.