Touch Grass (or Pet a Dog)

Either will do

I think there’s a parallel between the ability to touch grass, I mean to really touch it, and to pet a dog. “Go touch grass” is such a funny expression to me. It’s the perfect productive burn. Often used to nudge someone who has become disconnected from nature, or obstructed by materialism. And at the same time, it’s really an invitation to do something productive to break that cycle. But I really don’t think just anyone can touch grass. Not without practice. Just as I don’t think just anyone can pet a dog.

It’s no surprise that Trump is the first president who doesn’t have a pet in the White House in over a century. And if he does mention dogs, it’s usually a negative metaphor. I doubt that a boy like him can affectionately greet an animal. It’s no surprise that empathy checked itself at the door of this administration.

When I was writing Find Momo Everywhere, I was trying to find all the ways that our connection to our dogs lives on after them. I was at a park called Libbit Park in Encino, California in April and the grass was at the perfect length that made you want to rub your hands through it. I cried immediately when I realized what I was doing. What this reminded me of. All the ways we interact with the world that are improved with our ability to be fully present in it.

A page from my book Find Momo Everywhere.

Empathy is a damn superpower. If we ignore it, we break. Our focus goes elsewhere and breaks what’s around us too. Dogs are our portable grass patches. The original fidget spinner. Stress balls and weighted blankets are great and all but do they come to you when you call them?

Maybe “go pet a dog” could be a good placeholder for “go touch grass”. Both can have the same impact. Both promote presence and mindfulness. But you really do have to practice. You really do have to engage with your senses fully. So I say this with love, just as I say it to myself in a mirror...

Go pet a dog,

Andrew, Yaya, & Boo