Absent Dog

Absent Dog

The Absent Dog pose has an interesting history, taking on two entirely different variations depending on whether you are practicing the Eastern or the Western versions. The Eastern Absent Dog is a reflective pose, performed while seated. The head is tilted slightly to one side, and a faraway look comes over the practicer as they adopt the mannerisms of a dog deep in thought, absent from the cares of the human world.

The Western Absent Dog, on the other hand, takes the practicer outside of the dog’s perspective and into that of the owner whose beloved dog has gone absent from the yard. This pose has two parts. In the first, the legs are slightly apart and the torso twisted. The right arm is raised to the brow, as though searching for the beast. The second pose consists of a tall stretch with arms raised, to represent placing a “lost dog” sign on a lamppost.

It is recommended that the practicer achieve the full yin and yang effect of this pose by assuming both Eastern and Western Absent Dog in succession, to completely understand the perspectives of both dog and owner. In this way they can appreciate the inner peace of the pet and the outer struggle of the pet owner in harmony. Namaste.