Curled beside me, little Nico
slips into his own meditation

My breath finds his
a shared rhythm, soft & steady

It feels like a spirit companion
this dog who knows me so well
that each inhale is mirrored
each exhale reflected

Calm gathers between us
and as I settle, so does he

Note: My wife says that our dog, Nico, is such an empath that he picks up on my emotions. When I am grumpy or anxious, Nico typically is, too. So, lately, I’ve noticed that when I meditate, Nico usually joins me, and if I am feeling calm, he exudes calm, as well.

Having a little dog companion like this is so wonderful!