Hey all,

Many of us are seeking ways to achieve mindfulness – a state of awareness of the present moment – in our fast-paced and often chaotic lives. As the world swirls around us, we try to quietly engage with our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, as well as the world around us, with a friendly, non-judgmental curiosity. But in our search, we might have overlooked the true mindfulness experts in our own homes: our cats.

Cats: masters of mindfulness

As the mindfulness ultimate experts, cats have much to teach us if we’d only sit back, watch, and learn.

Being Present

Spend some time just observing a cat. When it watches birds from the window, its focus is absolute. When it grooms itself, each lick is considered and deliberate – a ritual of self-care. As it naps, it does so with unparalleled depth, utterly surrendered to the moment. Cats don’t worry about yesterday’s missed nap or tomorrow’s potentially empty food bowl. They are the masters of simply being in the here and now.

Sensory Immersion

Evolutionarily near-perfect animals, cats come equipped with powerful senses through which they experience the world with a heightened sense of awareness. Watch them notice the rustle of leaves outside, or footsteps in the hallway. See how they always find those spots of light and warmth on the carpet. They even create their own calming sounds as they contentedly purr (which, by the way, releases endorphins in our brain that improve our mood – one of the myriad mental health benefits of having a cat).

We often miss these subtleties in our busy, distracted lives, but they are central to a cat’s existence – a playground of sensory input with which they engage fully, without distraction.

The Power of Stillness

We humans have a hard time sitting still – we fidget, we pace, we fill silence with noise. Cats, however, understand the power of stillness. Motionless, they can sit for extended periods, simply observing their surroundings or waiting for their prey. This isn’t boredom; it’s a deep engagement with the present – a form of meditation in action.

Engaging the Body

When it’s time to move, cats know the importance of a good stretch. They can contort themselves into all kinds of shapes that release tension and help them feel in touch with every part of their dextrous bodies. It’s a key ritual as they transition from one aptitude to another, and one they remember to make time for many times throughout the day.

Non-judgmental Acceptance

While many of us are beset by anxieties and insecurities, cats have a remarkable ability to tune it all out. They lose no sleep over what other type of cat they might be – in fact, every cat seems to go through life absolutely convinced that they are the cattest cat on the planet. Such non-judgmental acceptance of the self gives our feline friends a remarkable self-assuredness and an enviable resilience. They are who they are, and whatever they’re doing is exactly what they ought to be – no more, no less.

So, the next time your cat is basking in a sunbeam, grooming meticulously, or simply gazing out the window, take a moment to observe. What can we learn from their unwavering focus, their appreciation for simple pleasures, and their profound ability to live entirely in the now? Perhaps, by emulating their mindful approach, we can bring a little more feline zen into our own lives.

What has your cat taught you lately about slowing down? Tell us in the comments!

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