I've got a story I cannot keep to myself! As previously mentioned, I have been quite furry lately and in need of a haircut. Finally mom got us an appointment and off we went to the groomer yesterday. To a certain degree I enjoy all the attention and all the "ooo's and ahhh's" about how cute I am when I go to the groomer, but I do get kinda anxious if I'm separated from my brother and show my disdain by barking loudly.
Cohen got his hair cut first yesterday and I was next. Dad came in to pick up Cohen and I barely noticed because my hair was fully brushed forward into my eyes! So, anywho… mom and dad were sitting outside with Cohen waiting for me to get my haircut finished. All of a sudden they look up (there's a large picture window where you can see all of us getting groomed). They see a big, black, labradoodle absolutely losing his mind (thrashing around) while getting his hair cut. Spoiler alert, it wasn't me! So, Dad come running in to offer his help (thinking it's me) and finds me sitting perfectly on a different table enjoying my pampering. The other dog in the window, however, was freaking out so much he had... well... I don't know how else to describe it besides explosive diarrhea. Because, that's what it was. Poor guy. His anxiety was so out of control his body responded in a very obvious way! The groomer had to call the other dog's dad to come pick him up because he was such a mess (as well as the groomer's shoes).
I can't say I've ever had THAT type of physical response to being nervous, but geesh my body responds to anxiety. My tummy feels weird, my breathing gets off beat, and I have trouble thinking clearly. Our bodies are such wild things. Our thoughts create a physiological response. How weird is that? Thoughts are so incredibly important to observe and manage. As I'm riding to the groomer, if I allow the thought, "I'm out of my routine and everything is absolutely terrible" my body will respond. I'll get that sick feeling, short of breath, and have a terrible time. If I don't judge myself for having the thought, just let it pass, give no attention to it, and instead grab onto the thought, "I'm in a car and this is fun! I feel the breeze on my ears and the comfy seat on my paws, and I see a whole bunch of new things out the window!!!" My body will respond in a very different way- my breathing will regulate, a smile will come to my face, and I'll enjoy the present moment.
I know I've mentioned this concept before, but I felt the need to write about it again to emphasize the importance in anxiety recovery. Remember, I'm not suggesting positivity cures everything, I'm just saying it's possible to reframe thoughts, make them less intrusive, and make your body more calm.
What kind of physical responses have you felt lately? Could you manage your thoughts a little better this week and in turn give your body a break? Nobody loves explosive diarrhea. No one.
After my haircut, as you can see, mom still had to do a little trimming around my eyes!
