An unusual way to unwind…
What are the first things that come to mind when you hear the word ‘mindfulness’? Meditation? Yoga? Chanting? I’ll take a guess that whatever you’re thinking of right now probably doesn’t include huskies! Well, thanks to our good friends in Kiruna, Northern Sweden you can now beat stress Swedish-style, with a team of helpful hounds.
Mindfulness is the practice of living more fully in the present moment, noticing and connecting with everything around us. It sounds so simple, but humans find this incredibly difficult. Our minds whizz off in a hundred different directions, worrying about the future and ruminating on the past, which leaves us increasingly frazzled and, in extreme cases, at risk of a breakdown.
Dogs are the perfect antidote. They live their whole lives in the present. They don’t stress over the fact that Fido got a new collar last week (and they didn’t) or feel embarrassed that they fell off the sofa and everyone laughed at them. They aren’t worried about whether you’ll remember to take them for a walk or feed them tomorrow. They are focussed on what is happening right here and now and can teach us all a valuable lesson about enjoying every moment.
So, how does husky mindfulness work? Animals react to our signals, and to work effectively with dogs you have to stay calm. The calmer you are, the calmer the dogs will be and the calmer the dogs are, the calmer you will be. And the best way to be calm? To breathe slowly and steadily, let go of any fears, doubts and worries and focus only on the present. Win-win for everyone.
Husky mindfulness, our latest summer excursion, can be combined with a stay at the Ripan Spa resort. It involves working with a team of gorgeous sled dogs in the beautiful setting of Kiruna’s Kalix river. You’ll take part in some gentle exercises with the dogs before taking them hiking into the mountains nearby. After a delicious picnic lunch, you’ll meditate in the clean, fresh air surrounded by stunning scenery. Back at the kennel you’ll say thank you to the dogs by giving them a massage (which they love) and then head back to Ripan for a spa ritual – pure bliss.
Does it work? While research is still ongoing, there is growing evidence to show that practicing mindfulness has a positive impact on both physical and mental health. So, if you’re stressed out and in need of a break, why not give it a go?
P.S. If you are not a dog-lover and you prefer to just relax in a hot tub with a glass of wine, don’t worry we can arrange that for you too! A number of our resorts have saunas and hot tubs and you may also be able to also combine a spa visit with a stay at one of our other iconic destinations.
For more information please get in touch sales@arcticdirect.co.uk or call 01793 939035. Husky mindfulness is available July – September 2020 as part a selection of our Sweden breaks – ask our travel advisors for more information. Minimum of 4 participants per session. In September there is also the chance you will see the Norhtern Lights in the evening. Spa breaks, saunas and hot tubs available all year round.
