How to Be as Calm as a Jack Russell on a Rainy Day
When we think of Jack Russell Terriers, images of endless energy, playful antics, and boundless enthusiasm come to mind. Spencer, the ever-sprightly Jack Russell, is no exception. He loves to chase, run, and play at full speed. But even Spencer has his moments of stillness””especially on a rainy day, when the world outside slows down, and he curls up quietly, finding his own little piece of calm.
These moments of tranquillity remind us that even the most energetic souls need to rest. Spencer”™s ability to relax when the world around him takes a pause is something we can all learn from. Instead of rushing through our busy lives, we can take a cue from Spencer and find our own Zen. Let”™s explore how we can use these quiet moments to practise mindfulness and discover peace, even when life gets hectic.
1. Embrace the Pause
When the rain falls and the usual hustle is put on hold, Spencer doesn”™t fight it. He doesn”™t bark at the rain or pace restlessly. Instead, he finds a cosy spot, lies down, and takes in the moment. His acceptance of stillness is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is embrace the pause.
We often resist slowing down, feeling like we need to stay busy or keep moving to be productive. But true calmness comes when we allow ourselves to stop, breathe, and simply be in the moment.
How to Apply This
The next time you find yourself with a quiet moment””whether it”™s a break at work or a pause in your day””let yourself fully embrace it. Sit quietly, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to be still without any agenda. Like Spencer on a rainy day, learn to accept the pause as a gift of calm.
2. Practise Deep Breathing
One of the simplest ways Spencer finds his calm is through deep breathing. You”™ll often see him take a deep breath, his little chest rising and falling slowly as he settles into his cosy corner. This natural response helps him relax, signalling to his body that it”™s time to rest.
Deep breathing is a powerful tool for humans too. It”™s a simple yet effective way to calm the mind and centre your thoughts, especially during stressful moments.
How to Apply This
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, closing your eyes if it feels right.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your lungs expand.
- Hold your breath for a moment, letting the air settle.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing all the tension.
- Repeat this breathing pattern several times, focusing only on the rhythm of your breath.
Deep breathing helps calm your nervous system and brings your focus back to the present moment, much like how Spencer relaxes into his stillness when the rain falls.
3. Create a Calm Space
When the rain pours outside, Spencer has his favourite spot””a cosy corner by the window or a blanket on the floor””where he feels safe and comfortable. This space becomes his little sanctuary, where he can unwind and enjoy the quiet.
Creating your own calm space at home can help you find peace and relaxation whenever you need it. This space doesn”™t have to be elaborate; it just needs to be a place where you can disconnect from stress and reconnect with yourself.
How to Apply This
Designate a specific area in your home as your relaxation spot. It could be a chair by the window, a corner with cushions, or a spot on the sofa where you feel comfortable. Fill this space with items that make you feel calm, like a soft blanket, a favourite book, or a scented candle. Whenever you need a moment of calm, retreat to this spot and let the peace wash over you.
4. Listen to the Sounds of Nature
Spencer loves the sound of rain. He often sits quietly by the window, his ears twitching slightly as he listens to the rhythmic patter of raindrops. Nature”™s sounds have a natural way of calming our minds, helping us feel connected to something larger than ourselves.
Whether it”™s the sound of rain, the rustling of leaves, or the chirping of birds, tuning into these natural rhythms can bring a sense of serenity and mindfulness.
How to Apply This
When you need to find your calm, try listening to the sounds of nature. Open a window to let in the sounds of the rain, play a recording of ocean waves, or sit outside and listen to the wind in the trees. Focus on the different layers of sound, letting them guide you into a state of relaxation.
5. Let Go of the Urge to Always Be Busy
Spencer knows when to slow down. Even though he”™s a bundle of energy, he also understands the value of rest. He doesn”™t feel guilty for taking a break on a rainy day. Instead, he enjoys the chance to lie back and let the world go on without him for a little while.
We often feel the need to fill every moment with activity or productivity, even when our bodies and minds are begging for rest. But embracing stillness and doing nothing is a form of mindfulness in itself.
How to Apply This
Give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty. Allow yourself to take breaks, not because you”™ve earned them, but because you deserve to recharge. Like Spencer, use these moments of stillness to gather your thoughts and simply enjoy the art of doing nothing.
6. Practise Mindful Observation
When the world outside slows down, Spencer”™s senses seem to come alive in a different way. He notices the raindrops on the window, the changing light, and the calm movements in his surroundings. This act of mindful observation helps him stay grounded and connected to the moment.
Mindful observation is about paying attention to your environment with curiosity and without judgement. It”™s a great way to bring your focus back to the present.
How to Apply This
Pick an object in your environment””a plant, a piece of artwork, or even the raindrops on the window. Spend a few minutes observing it closely. Notice its colours, shapes, textures, and details that you might not have seen before. Let your mind focus solely on this object, allowing everything else to fade into the background.
7. Find Joy in the Simple Moments
One of Spencer”™s greatest gifts is his ability to find joy in the simplest things””a warm blanket, a gentle pat on the head, or a quiet afternoon nap. He doesn”™t need grand adventures to feel content; he finds happiness in the little moments that others might overlook.
We often search for happiness in big achievements or future plans, forgetting that joy is right here, in the small moments of everyday life.
How to Apply This
Take a moment each day to find joy in something simple. It could be enjoying a cup of tea, listening to your favourite song, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. Let these little moments fill you with gratitude, and recognise that calmness and happiness are found in the present.
Finding Calm Like Spencer
Spencer”™s ability to find his Zen, even on a rainy day, teaches us that calmness is not about stopping the chaos but embracing it with a mindful heart. By practising deep breathing, creating a calm space, listening to nature, and letting go of the need to always be busy, we can learn to find peace in the pauses of life.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, think of Spencer lying contentedly in his cosy corner. Take a deep breath, embrace the stillness, and let yourself find your Zen. Remember, like a Jack Russell on a rainy day, we all need moments of calm to recharge our energy and keep our spirits bright.