Most evenings, the moment I roll out my yoga mat, my pup Bond (James Bond) comes trotting over as if summoned by M herself. He joins me in my practice by lying between my body parts in poses, giving my face timely licks, or simply lying close with a part of him on my mat. I’ve started to wonder if he senses something in me during yoga: a calm breath, a grounded body, or a specific energy. Whatever he senses in me, he wants to be near it. And I welcome his company too. I opted out of group yoga classes so that I could practice at home with him. I, too, sensed that there was something magical in our joined practice.

For years, I assumed moments like this were purely emotional comfort. I thought they were what they were because of my love for Bond and animals in general. But new research suggests there may be something more structured woven into these interactions. Apparently, we can experience a kind of biological attunement in which human and animal fall into similar rhythms. Our bodies quite literally “come down” together.

I was worried the science would strip away the magic, but perhaps it adds a new layer of wonder. A layer that can be further examined and put into practice, so more people and animals can experience it too. In fact, we might already be experiencing it without fully realizing it.

Calm, affectionate interactions, like petting, resting, walking, and........

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