That Time My Son Scolded the Dog with "Calm Body"

Sly, our old, crotchety weiner dog, has found his voice in his old age. He barks more now than ever before, as if all the things he didn’t say in his youth are pouring out in his twilight years. One day, mid-barking fit, my 14-year-old son Gabriel with autism who communicates in his own beautiful way looked at Sly and simply said, “Calm body.”

It’s a phrase I often say to Gabriel when he’s feeling sensory overload or disregulated. But this time, he turned and used it on … the dog.

It strikes me how much of our discipleship is like this. What we practice, we pass on. What we embody, others experience. And whether we realize it or not, our inner world shapes how we love, lead, and disciple.

That’s why when I lead a coaching session, small group, or even sit down to write, I often begin by simply centering myself. Breathing. Praying. Relaxing my body. We need to spend the first few minutes catching up with ourselves so we can show up fully present. It’s not wasted time; it’s essential time.

Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” That “nothing” includes barking dogs, full inboxes, and racing thoughts. It’s a call to pause and reconnect with God’s peace before we act.

This is a gap I see often. We teach what to do, but we rarely show people how to be. We don’t always model what it means to pause, breathe, and bring our anxious thoughts to God. Yet that pause can be the most powerful form of discipleship and  leadership.

Reflect:

• Do you need to pause and catch up with yourself before you disciple or lead others today?

• What practices help you cultivate a “calm body” and a quiet soul?

• Who might be watching you practice peace, learning from your example?

  
  

Practice:

Today, take five slow breaths before your next meeting, conversation, or task. Inhale God’s presence. Exhale your striving. Let your body and soul align with the peace Jesus offers.

Even your barking dog might thank you. 

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