QUALITIES OF LIFE. Q-TIPS.
Allan Johnson

Meditating with your dog--it's not as far-fetched as it may sound, according to James Jacobson.

"I think meditation by itself is one of the most important things we can do," says Jacobson, co-author of "How to Meditate With Your Dog," which comes out this month (Maui Media, $16.95.)

"[The book] is showing people a way to leverage the love that they already have for something--for their dog, for their cat--and turn that into the heart of the meditation process," says Jacobson, 39, who teaches the practice . . . when he isn't Zenning out with Maui, his Maltese.

Jacobson offers these tips for creating oneness with your pooch:

Schedule a regular time. "First thing in the morning is a great time, or right after you get home from work but before you get into your evening activities. The more consistent you are, the more you and your dog will be able to ease into meditation."

Develop a ritual. "Rituals help to prepare you and your dog for meditation. Light a candle, burn incense, put on quiet music, or sit in the same place and position each day."

Let go of expectation. "If you have a pre-conceived idea of what your meditation experience will be, you'll just get frustrated.

"Your experience will not be the same as someone else's, and chances are will be different for you from day to day."

Connect with your dog. "When you sit down to meditate, your dog should be either lying next to you or on your lap.

"Put one or both hands on your dog. This connection is soothing to him. Your dog may get up. That's OK. Just stay quiet, and when your dog returns, put your hand or hands back on him."

Conclude your meditation the same way each time. "This signals your body and mind, as well as your dog, that it's time to move on to the next part of your day. The transition should be gentle rather than jarring.

"Pet your dog slowly, lengthening the stroke from short to long; whisper or say aloud an affirmation, quote, or prayer; or roll your head from side to side."

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Do you have any expert tips, on any topic, you'd like to pass along? Or any you'd like us to track down? E-mail kharamis@tribune.com. Put HOW TO in the subject field.

PHOTO; Caption: PHOTO: James Jacobson, co-author of "How to Meditate With Your Dog," says it's important to establish a ritual (with candles and incense) when meditating with your dog.

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