Inspiration
Here’s a wake up call.
Your dog is your mirror.
You’re not just starting to look alike –
you’re starting to act it too.
Pleased or horrific thought?
Let’s go all in.
Are there times when your dog won’t stop barking? Yes?
Try this interesting experiment.
The Calm Touch Reset
A weirdly effective way to stop the noise
- whether it’s your dog or your own nervous system barking.
When your dog starts barking:
1. Approach calmly.
2. Don’t speak. Don’t shush. Don’t command.
3. Place your hand gently on their chest or side (never their head).
4. Apply light, steady pressure. Stay still. Just breathe.
5. When they stop, mark it softly with a calm “yes”… and walk away.
How does this apply to me?
Imagine you are the barking dog.
What does your bark sound like?
• Is it you snapping at your partner, your kid, another family member, a colleague, maybe even a client?
• The silent (maybe out loud) scream of frustration and resentment?
• The sharp tone you didn’t mean to use?
• The criticism you ladle on like icing – no cake? Or maybe it’s a tad more subtle.
Try the same reset on yourself:
• Place your hand gently on your heart.
• Apply soft, steady pressure.
• Breathe in for 4. Hold for 4. Out for 4 (or 6 if highly triggered). Hold for 4.
• No talking. No judging. Just calm.
When you settle, mark it softly with a calm “yes”… and either move into another space – another room or outside or change your position – sit, stand, lie down or just smile and say thanks.
Getting curious?
Your bark – like theirs – is a symptom of a overwhelmed nervous system.
That primal system stuck on red alert, triggered by echoes of old survival fears.
Gentle, grounded touch and slow breath telegraph to the body:
“All is well. It’s safe to settle.”
This isn’t magic. It’s biology.
You so gotta try this
The next time your dog barks, do this reset on yourself first.
Notice what happens.
I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
x Judy
