As an observer of the animal kingdom, my neighborhood provides plenty of reflective stimulation. Dogs, cats, hawks — even the occasional fox, raccoon, or skunk.
But it is the feral cats that expand my thoughts about reflective living. What is it that cats do so well?
Cats work. No apathy allowed in the world of feral cats. They stay busy hunting for their next meal. Maybe a small bird or a scampering mouse, a grasshopper, or a baby bunny. (Sadly, I have seen this happen).
Survival depends on a reliable food supply. The feral mother teaches her babies how to sneak up on their prey and how to fight their siblings for the next bite. And if all else fails, the ferals come begging at my door.
We all need a sense of purpose. Despair can grow when we have nothing purposeful to do. Some sort of work — even volunteering — helps us to emotionally and physically survive.
Cats play. They are such fun to watch, especially the kittens who have energy to spare. Jumping on a toy, batting a dandelion’s colorful bloom, or chasing an errant piece of yarn. Cats know how to play to keep their reflexes sharp and their muscles toned. And cats rarely struggle with stress, unless they are ill.
Play is vital for us as well. Whether we play table games with the family or a backyard game of soccer, play forces us to focus on enjoyable activities. It helps us escape from the harsh realities of our world.
So play often. Read a book, watch a funny movie, pack up a picnic for your local park. At my house, we often watch YouTube videos of funny animals. Our laughter beats back the gloom carried by the news channels.
Cats rest. A house cat will sleep sixteen or more hours each day. My house cats have kept a regular schedule of morning, afternoon, and evening naps as well as at least eight more hours after we climb into my bed.
Rest for humans means we turn off any mental noise, breathe deeply, and let the world continue without us. Rest equals peace — that sense of wholeness that avoids confronting the fears which knock at our mind’s door.
Rest is also a spiritual discipline that requires trust and the assurance that no matter what happens, God will take care of us.
Cats require nurture. Cats love to be petted because it lowers their blood pressure. Even the feral cats will sometimes come up to me, sniff cautiously, then rub against my leg. They know I can be trusted for a morning snack. And if they let me, I know the right spot to rub on their ears. Their purr confirms it.
Petting cats can also lower our blood pressure. It is a form of nurturing that blesses both the animal and the human. The warmth of a caring touch. A physical symbol that echoes, “I respect that you and I are both creatures God made.”
We can nurture ourselves in a variety of ways:
- Asking for a hug from a safe person
- Setting up a mani / pedi
- A long soak in the bath while reading a novel
- Vitamins and healthy nutrition, with an occasional treat
- A leisurely walk, expressing gratitude for the beauty of God’s creation
As we move through our days and face whatever challenges life presents, perhaps we can take a cue from cats. Follow the feline regimen and stay in hope.
©2024 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image: Crepessuzette / Pixabay
For that soothing soak in the bath, check out this novella. The Year of my Redemption.
Worthy reflections, Thanks. Whether drawn to felines or canines, A couple of the many reasons I am confident there is a God, and that he is good. The provision to humans of such treasured companions.