“The present moment

contains past and future.

The secret of transformation,

is in the way we handle this very moment.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

photo credit: Tao of Meow via photopin (license)

Cats are truly magnificent creatures. They are intelligent, curious, and extremely loving; they can also be temperamental, mischievous, and incessantly vocal when they desire something. There is much wisdom to be learned from examining their behavior and reflecting on how we react to their behavior. This post will be the first part in a series of posts sharing the wisdom that I have learned from having cats in my life.

As humans, we sometimes have a hard time wrapping our minds around the concept of stillness. Our daily lives are often so busy and active that we forget that being still is an option. We often mistake being physically still for being present when our minds are a hive of activity and constantly buzzing. We have been conditioned to be scared of silence and seek to drown out the loudness of our brains through various forms of technological entertainment, social media, and intoxication; these only provide temporary respite. Once their veil has lifted, we find that our problems and fears are still there. The true key to quieting our mind can be easily learned from our feline companions.

Have you ever observed a cat with its eyes halfway open, happily staring off into the distance and basking in the sun? During moments like these, a cat can appear so serene and relaxed that it may even seem as if they are meditating! This is because cats possess the innate ability to be completely present at any moment in time. In these magical moments, they are devoid of wants, needs, and material possession. Their minds become so still that are able to enjoy the simple happiness that being alive provides.

The next time you see a cat “meditating”, bring yourself to the present. If you do not have a cat, picture a cat in your mind and channel its presence. Still your mind and body and watch the cat. If intrusive thoughts enter your mind, take three series of breaths. Follow your breath in and out with your mind; let your breaths happen naturally and let go of the need to think. Try this right now whether you are familiar with the technique or not.

follow your breath in, follow your breath out

follow your breath in, follow your breath out

follow your breath in, follow your breath out

This is an excellent way to clear your mind and return yourself to the present state. It is, essentially, a mini-mediation and can be performed anywhere.

Now that your mind is clear, watch your real or imaginary cat. Do not actively think about the cat. Connect with the cat’s energy and sense of presence. Smell the grass, feel the sun, enjoy being still, and enjoy being alive. This is the essence of what it means to be present and your cat understands this. Do not be discouraged if your mind veers and you lose sense of the present. Perform your breathing exercise to bring yourself back and continue. Keep sitting with your cat whenever the opportunity arises. You are just starting a journey and your cat has much to teach you.

Let your cat teach you how to sit and be still. Your progress is only measured by your forward momentum. There will come a time that you find yourself sitting with your cat in a timeless universe, the both of you completely still and content.