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I have already begun implementing her suggestions, and am dumbstruck at how well they are working. I am feeling so much more secure, and feel I am finally put onto a life path that will bring me joy for many years to come."

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Cat Meditation

When I finally got to my computer to start working in my home office, it was much later than usual. I woke up late and it was one complication after another all morning. To make matters worse, my big kitten, Thomas, decided now would be a perfect time to jump on my keyboard and put his rear in front of the computer screen. He tried snuggling my nose with his, and I couldn't resist.

I took my cat over to the couch and started petting him. After giving him my pet owner obligatory 2- minute pet, I tried to put him down. Thomas had other plans. He did not want to budge. So I sighed and went back to petting him, looking for something to read or do while petting him, after all I couldn't just sit and do nothing. How unproductive! Nothing was in reach. I couldn't even get to the remote control.

I decided to think about it another way. How about I see this as a meditation? I thought to myself. I've never been good at meditation. Too much sitting still for me. But, I tried my cat meditation. As I stroked Thomas down his back, my breathing slowed and got deeper.

I rubbed his ears, experimenting with which way the cat responded most contentedly. Then I tried under the chin. Thomas rolled over, so I could get to his belly. I really looked at him, noticing his black and grey stripes, his white feet, neck and face. His eyes looked at me lovingly as I became aware of for the first time, what color his eyes were. I stared into the yellow eyes with bursts of bright green right around the pointed oval of his pupil. My fingers enjoyed the plush softness of his fur. And then I just breathed and pet, breathed and pet, as content as the cat.

I was reminded of the importance of loving moments, the times when I could show love becoming more important than anything else I could be doing. Taking spontaneous loving moments with my kids, husband, friends or cat. These moments will be what I will think of when I look back on my life. Thomas grew antsy and gave my cheek a quick lick before sauntering off to a warm window. I went back to work refreshed and calm with more focus. Many more times since then, Thomas has jumped on my keyboard. I think he enjoys the cat meditation even more than I do.

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Beth Dargis helps the overwhelmed to create saner, simpler lives. For free monthly declutter Calendar and Weekly Simplicity Tips visit: http://www.mysimplerlife.com. This article is Copyright © 2005 by Beth Dargis, Zeeland MI. To send feedback or request reprint permission (usually granted free of charge), please contact .

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