As a lifelong learner and someone who’s always striving to grow—both personally and professionally—I recently read 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. The book offers powerful insights for business owners, but one concept in particular stood out to me not just as an entrepreneur, but as a dog lover: Kairos time.
In the book, Sullivan and Hardy contrast Chronos time (clock time, or how we traditionally measure minutes and hours) with Kairos time, which refers to the right time—those meaningful, transformative moments when you’re fully present and connected to what truly matters.
In a business context, Kairos time is where creativity flows, breakthroughs happen, and the most valuable ideas are born—not during the endless grind of task lists and calendar blocks, but in quiet, intentional space where your mind is free to connect, reflect, and dream.
The more I reflected on this idea, the more I realized: Kairos time isn’t just for entrepreneurs. It’s something we all need to protect and prioritize in our personal lives—especially when it comes to the relationships we care most about. And for many of us, that includes our dogs.
Bringing Kairos Time To Daily Life
Our daily routines with our dogs often revolve around Chronos time—feeding at 7AM, a walk before work, training sessions squeezed into 15-minute slots. While structure is essential (especially for dogs!), it’s those unscheduled, deeply connected moments that leave a lasting impact on both us and our pups.
Kairos time with your dog might look like:
- A quiet morning snuggle before the world wakes up.
- A slow, unhurried walk through the woods with no agenda.
- Laughing as they roll in the grass or make a new friend at the park.
- Sitting in silence together while you reflect or read.
These are the moments that build trust, calm, and a deeper bond—just like they do in our human relationships.
Why It Matters
Dogs live in Kairos time. They aren’t checking the clock. They’re fully present in every sniff, tail wag, and belly rub. When we choose to enter that space with them—when we pause the rush of life and truly see them—we’re giving them a gift that’s more valuable than any toy or treat.
And here’s the beautiful part: Kairos time is just as good for us. In a world that constantly pulls us toward overpacked schedules and screen time, intentionally slowing down to connect with our dogs helps us reset, breathe deeper, and feel grounded.
4 Local Places to Spend Kairos Time With Your Dog
We’re lucky to live in a region full of peaceful, scenic spots that are perfect for slowing down and soaking in meaningful time with your furry family member. Here are four of my personal favorites:
- Wildflower Lookout – Ronks, PA
Surrounded by rolling fields and vibrant blooms, this picturesque location offers a peaceful environment to sit, walk, and take in the view. Bring your dog on leash and enjoy the serenity of Lancaster County farmland. - Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area – Grantville, PA
With over 12 miles of hiking trails through mature forests, this hidden gem is ideal for long, thoughtful walks where you and your dog can breathe deep and disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. - Breezy View Overlook – Columbia, PA
Overlooking the Susquehanna River, this peaceful overlook offers spectacular views and a chance to reflect while your pup takes in the sights, smells, and breeze. - Chickies Rock Overlook Trail – Columbia, PA
This popular trail features a one-mile hike leading to one of the most breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a quiet moment at the summit with your dog by your side—just be sure to keep them leashed and hydrated on warm days.
Next time you’re looking to spend quality time with your dog, skip the crowded dog park and opt for a quiet, nature-filled experience instead. These locations invite you into Kairos moments—the kind that linger in your memory.
Final Takeaway
You don’t need more minutes with your dog—you need moments that matter. At Playful Pups Retreat, we believe in creating space for these moments—not just for our team and the dogs in our care, but for every pet parent we serve. Our nature trail walks, enrichment activities, and personalized play experiences are all built with this philosophy in mind. When we treat our time together as Kairos time, we’re not only nurturing happier, more well‑adjusted dogs but also discovering deeper joy and calm in our own lives. So I encourage you, as someone who’s committed to growth and self-awareness, to look at your time with your dog through the lens of Kairos. What could it look like to create more intentional, heartfelt time together—not just more time, but better time?
Because whether it’s in business, family, or the bond we share with our four-legged best friends, it’s those Kairos moments that make life richer, deeper, and more fulfilling.
Want to learn more about how we create memorable canine experiences for dogs who come to us for overnight lodging, doggie daycare, or dog training? Click here to visit our website!
Written by Laurie Yost, owner of Playful Pups Retreat.
Laurie is the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, which celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in Pet Care this year! She holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator). In addition, she is certified in Pet First Aid and is also certified through Fear Free Pets. Laurie is also the founder of a non-profit rescue organization, Pitties Love Peace.