Newsletter for Cat Lovers December 2007 vol.2 no. 12
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Ho, Ho, ho... Where is that Christmas spirit anyway?
This is my favorite time of year. The Holiday season brings a flood of memories from childhood. Memories filled with excitement and anticipation of gifts of plenty, the answers to prayers, and a release (if only momentary) from all the things that we 'HAVE' to do, like go to school and be someone we don't want to be and be in places that scare us. Places outside the safety of our little world center; that is our home. Inspired by parents and adults who struggled to find their way through life just like we grown-ups do now, the joy of Christmas and it's sister holiday, New Year's Day for most symbolizes the hope that life is not merely a struggle to survive, but a promise of hope for the end to the darker sides of existence. Of course, life is more involved and complicated than a child's vision of happiness. Food, clothing or things for play don't just appear by magic under a fabulously decorated evergreen tree, as I remember them doing when I was young.
Our cat friends don't know to celebrate life as we do. They are more accepting of their lot in life. Life just happens for them. We have to think about it. We are given the ability of choice, are tempted with desire and have to suffer the greed of others, as well as with greed within ourselves. The advertising of marketers teases us with visions of a better, or ideal, life if we would only spend (give) our hard earned resources to them. And the hard irony is that as a society, even as a species, we all have to partake in the trade and bartering of market activities to successfully survive. So, from time to time throughout the year we need to take a moment to celebrate specially focused holidays (Christmas, Valentines, Mother's and Father's Days, etc.), and remind ourselves of the joys of life and the importance of people and ideals that make it all worthwhile. Survival ain't easy... and impossible without them.
Still there is a lesson for us in the less complicated approach a cat takes to her existence. It's easy to become so wrapped up in the day to day activities that we can become enslaved to the habits of work, finding shelter and feeding our families. If one isn't careful, the routines can be so absorbing that despair can easily replace our dreams and hopes. And, despair is a dead-end road. We need to work... that is the reality of this existence. But, our efforts should produce a joy within itself. That is, our efforts should return more than a physical acquisition. Effort should give us pride in accomplishment. Not so much how we measure up against someone else's accomplishments, but that each of us has the ability to succeed as an individual. Whenever anyone succeeds they learn something and grow in their maturity and their understanding of the world they live in. Of course success is not a giant leap forward. Success is usually measured in small incremental stages that only after a long time can it be seen as a quantum leap. So, the Holidays offer us a chance to take a break from the 'great struggle', even in the midst of frantic shopping, crowded malls and roads, and the race to the Christmas tree on that special day of celebration.
Take a moment to be thankful for the chance we all have to get this life right. Hug your cat and whisper a special greeting in her ear. She may act a little stand-offish, but she knows the very important role she plays in helping you express the joy in your own heart. And, she is perfect for confiding in. She will keep your conversations a secret between you and her.
Merry Christmas, cat lovers.
See you next time
Robert J Gallegos
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A kitten might ask "What's all the fuss about. It's easy if you're thankful for all the things you've got, rather than worrying over what you don't have".
Wishing your kitty a Merry Christmas is a very private way to remind yourself of the unique and singular beauty of experiencing the challenges of life
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