Let’s Talk About Something A Bit Unexpected
Have you ever seen a dog shake off after a swim? It’s such a funny little dance. They splash, wiggle, waggle, flop, and just like that, all the stress is gone and they’re back in the moment. That simple, joyful rhythm inspired one of my favourite practices: the Wet Dog Shake™ Self-Empowerment Technique. It’s like a moving meditation that helps you shake off stress, reconnect with your body, and just come back to who you are. And you can do it in under a minute!
So, this whole thing started years ago when I was really looking for ways to relieve tension without piling on another “to-do” to my already busy day. Then many years later came my Labrador, Benjamin and he was the best teacher I could’ve asked for. Every wag of his tail, every stretch, every shake of that fluffy golden coat reminded me of something important: that presence is all about motion. Joy isn’t just something to wait for. It’s something you actively create. Benjamin graced this world for 15.5 beautiful years, and his spirit still dances through this practice. We now have our wonderful Skye and Chester to continue this inspiration with their cute little personalities and unquenchable thirst for fun and happiness.
Why Shaking Works
When stress piles up, it doesn’t just hang out in your head. Although, it certainly starts there and can create a whole pile of additional stress with that chattering mind. But it also settles in your body, in your shoulders, your jaw, even your belly. The Wet Dog Shake™ helps shake off that stuck energy, loosening the mind’s grip and allowing you to tap back into your natural rhythm of joy. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need any special gear, fancy moves, or even a lot of time. You can do this between Zoom calls, before hitting the hay, or whenever you just feel a bit “off.”
The Wet Dog Shake™ is simply a playful movement practice. Shaking, wiggling and pausing can give you something physical to notice when the mind has been busy. You may feel different afterwards, or you may simply have had a slightly ridiculous minute. Both are fine.
Want to give it a shot? Here’s a simple way to get started:
1. Stand up (or sit if that’s more comfy).
2. Take a nice deep breath into your belly.
3. As you let that breath out, pull your abdominals into your spine and let all the air out in a forceful and noisy sigh (haaaaaaaa).
4. Now start shaking out your arms, wrists and hands. Then your shoulders. And then, just let your whole body join in.
5. Don’t overthink it! Just wiggle, sway, flop – whatever feels good to you in this moment.
6. Then take a moment to pause and notice how you feel.
Move only in ways that feel comfortable for your body, and stop if anything hurts or feels wrong.
✨ That little pause at the end? That’s where the magic happens.
Remember, this isn’t about looking elegant or graceful. It’s about feeling free! Think of it like shaking off your day. Letting go of the stress, the overthinking, all the “shoulds.” It’s like hitting a reset button that says, “Hey, new moment, new me.” Sometimes, the most powerful healing doesn’t come from digging deep; it comes from laughing and letting go.
Before and After
So, what’s the difference?
Before: you might feel tension in your body, stress clouding your mind, and joy buried under the weight of everything.
After: You may feel different afterwards. You may feel lighter and your mind calmer. And that spark of joy may be back in action as you feel the giggles in your tummy again. Or you may simply have had a slightly ridiculous minute. Both are fine.
Your Invitation
Next time stress starts creeping in, take a quick 60 seconds for a Wet Dog Shake™ reset. Wiggle, laugh, shake it all out. Then pause… and really feel the difference. If you want to dive deeper into this practice, you’ll find it woven throughout Your Joyful Path, my guided journey into stillness, mind mastery, and joyful movement.