Conversation with a Cat.
‘In my search for the moment, I strolled down a different street. Not only did I find what I was inadvertently looking for but it seemed that I had discovered a hidden treasure, a ‘happy place’ if you will.
The winding tree danced upward to the audience of clouds in front of the barn-converted church, and I decided to step out of normality and take a moment to sit upon the bench that was embracing the elegant oak.
In that moment, the birds were chirping to each other and a calmness washed over me. There was nothing other than this, no past, no future, only this. It was powerful, I noticed a warm sensation of contentment as I realised how satisfying it felt to just be. It made a significant impact on my reality; THIS was life, I would argue, in its purest form.
When I was ready, I slowly stood up, noticing my breathing while looking around me. This novel feeling was almost bizarre and I asked myself if I was dreaming. Amused by this need to question my reality, I began my journey. It didn’t take long for my eyes to slowly fall upon the chocolate cat in the distance, who was clearly in a world of his own. I felt compelled to share my recent experience and so I let out a brief, quiet whistle that was high in pitch. With a sudden shocked turn, the cat stared in my direction to find me smiling at how impressed I was by the feline ability to hear such a modest sound.
An accepting linger showed me that this creature was willing to allow me to approach, and as I drew nearer, the cat looked at its surroundings while occasionally glancing up towards me with deep and inviting amber eyes.
I crouched to welcome my new friend and felt an instant acceptance. We greeted and I shared my newly found discoveries.
“How lovely that is to hear, living is really rather enjoyable when you realise how.” the cat responded with a tranquil gaze.
“So you know the feeling?” I asked with genuine surprise.
“I’m astounded you feel the need to ask. You see, I regard you people in a peculiar light. You mostly live in a strange state, chasing life as if it were some sort of almost unattainable idea. By seeking to understand life, you fail to experience it. This is a valuable liberation and I am glad to hear of your recent moment.” the cat seemed to stare up at me with some form of chatoyant admiration as we walked side by side along the street and I deeply appreciated the company.
I turned onto a different road and smiled at my unfamiliar companion.
“You’re quite wise for a cat” I said finally with joy.
“Well”, responded the cat with delight, “for a simple human, you’re getting there.”
I continued along the pavement vibrantly, looking up to the sky, where I saw that the clear-slate clouds were passing to reveal the compassionate glow from the sun which enhanced the scene. By letting go of everything, I ceased to resist the experience and began to truly know the essence of life.’
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
—Dr. Seuss
(Source: nypl)
