15 Zen lessons to learn from my cats

My cats seem to effortlessly embody Zen philosophy, here's distilling a few lessons they are teaching me.

Champak aka Chumpy (left) and Jilby

It has been just over a year and a half since I adopted Chumpy and Jilby. Goes without saying, they now rule the roost while I just happen to be their round-the-clock wait staff who also foots all the bills. It’s the best gig. 11/10 highly recommend.

From day one, Chumpy has been the rambunctious tyke who frolicks into every room and meadow with main character energy. Soft and polite Jilby on the other hand is still learning to take up space. But between them, they help each other (and me) become what we most struggle with.

Both cats are walking books on Zen philosophy that bring necessary lessons on being. Being present, being in tune with yourself and with your immediate environment. Thinking is overrated.

That said, here are a few lessons on being Zen that I am learning from my cats:

1. Anchor yourself to the present moment, it’s what matters most. When in doubt, breathe.

2. Look after your now - the past and future will align the way they are meant to.

3. Bring unwavering attention with all your senses to whatever it is that you do - sleep, eat, chase butterflies, annoy your human, repeat.

4. Rest is sacred. Don’t let anyone guilt you (especially not yourself) for taking time to rest. Enjoy the bestest guilt-free sleep whenever you can.

   

5. Never count how long you rest. Some days you will have the energy to bounce off walls, other days you will be a potato. It’s all good.

   

   

6. Be prepared to be surprised. Anything is possible. Change is the only constant. Radical acceptance of what is, the good, the bad and the ugly.

   

7. Be still and close your eyes for a few minutes each day to just be. If you are anything like Zen master Champak, there won’t be a thought between those eyes. That’s a good thing to aspire to.

8. Grooming is a deeply meditative activity. On days when it’s hard to still the mind, humans can embody the lesson by bringing their attention to dressing up mindfully. Take the time to style your outfit for the day. Accessorise. Wear the special-occasion perfume on an ordinary day.

   

9. Following sunbeams to snooze in is always a good idea.

   

10. Immerse yourself in nature. Frolick in the rain, bird watch, smell the proverbial roses, and sniff the crisp morning air.

    

11. Occasionally stump those around you with your un-catlike taste for bananas, strawberries and leafy greens. Don’t be predictable. Likes, dislikes, and personalities don’t have to be set in stone. Not for cats. Not for humans.

12. Marvel at extraordinarily ordinary things. Watch the sunrise in the quiet of the dawn before the house is awake. Make it a habit, like Jilby.

    

13. Remember to drink water like your life depends on it (because it does).

14. Don’t be excessively attached to anything - joy, pain, routines, fellow cats or humans. Stressful times matter less after they have passed.

15. The lone exception to rule no. 14 is mealtimes. We are obsessively attached to mealtimes, which must be adhered to at any cost or you will hear about it.

    We aren’t that Zen yet.

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