I'm Adali Mone and this is The Slowdown.

There are a few things as wholly satisfying as the love of an animal.

To be loved by a cat or dog, to be loved and to offer love back unconditionally is one

of my favorite things about my life.

When Lily Bean came into our lives as a puppy, I thought I'd never let a dog sleep in

my bed.

I set her small bed by the side of my bed and tried to sleep.

As soon as I turned off the lights, I heard her soft wine and felt her little paw trying

to reach me.

And of course, ever since, she has slept not only in my bed but curled up in my arms

every night.

We sleep as a team.

Sometimes when I'm feeling particularly anxious or low or shameful, I just press my head

into my dog's belly and listen to her heartbeat.

She sleeps so soundly, so entirely, and her heart is so steady, it makes me feel fixed.

She's taught me through our almost 11 years of living together, to not take myself so

seriously all the time.

About five years ago, I realized that when I look at her, I immediately smile.

And I wondered what would happen if I did that for myself.

If I smiled at myself when I looked into the mirror, I do it all the time now.

And let me tell you, it is life changing.

Today's poem examines that love we all long for, a sense of belonging, the kindness of

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