What I Can Learn From My Cat?

As a kid I always thought I liked dogs more than cats. Part of that is the fact that I only had a dog (Brownie), and never was around cats until I was a young adult. Brownie was considered a mutt, but a very lovable one. She was a loyal family pet, and traveled with us on all vacations.  As my brother and I remember Brownie, we call her the “Wonder Dog.” As I became an older adult, I became a “cat person,” because cats are easier to take care of.  And now I have a lovable rescue cat.  He was very nervous when I first got him. It took him two weeks of come off of the front porch and into my living room. I decided to name him Timmie, since he was so timid. He has become a more lovable cat every day.

We gain knowledge from many sources. When we are younger, we learn lessons from school and from our parents. As we entered into the world we learn from our peers, our experience,

and our reading. One source of learning is from animals. I firmly believe that we can learn a lot from animals in general, and our household pets specifically.

                                                            TIMMIE THE TEACHER

What does my cat teach me?

1.  He lives in the present. He doesn’t lament about things that didn’t happen yesterday, and he 
      doesn’t worry about tomorrow.  What a good lesson for me!

2.   He finds amazement and pleasure in simple things. A stuffed toy with cat nip can make him  
      very happy. This reminds me to be thankful for small things

3.  He knows how to rest. “How beautiful it is to do nothing…and then rest afterwards.”  I am
     reminded to slow down, pause, and rest.

4.  He is careful. He contemplates what he wants to do and surveys the situation before jumping. 
     He first seeks to understand. This is a lesson I need to heed, and think before I speak.

5.  He has discipline and is a creature of habit. He has an amazing internal clock. He awakens at  
     5 am, and indicates that it is time for his breakfast. He asks for snacks at 10 am and 10 pm,  

     and then it is time to go to bed. He clearly communicates this to me.

6.  He knows where the warm soft places are in winter, and the cool places in summer. I need to
     take his advice.

7.  And, he knows how to meditate. He can sit in the window and be fascinated by just looking

     out of the window for hours on end, watching the squirrels or the birds. This reminds me to be   
     mindful, meditate, and empty my mind for a few moments each day.

I am thankful for animals of all kinds, and I am reminded that there are many lessons to learn.

Take time to observe animals—you might learn something about human nature, and they might give you good advice to live by.

Thank you God for all creatures great and small.

Mary Anne Totten, CPE Intern