Deeply Caring

Specter napping in his favorite spot

It’s been a wild ride lately, hasn’t it? There isn’t one person that I’ve talked to in the past couple of weeks that isn’t going through something. Struggling with something. Job struggles, family struggles, health struggles, stress struggles. You name it, someone that I know of is going through it.

So how are you caring for yourself? This is one lesson that our pets are constantly modeling for us, and we frequently overlook.

The cat naps when it needs to.

The dog plays when it needs to.

The cat grooms when it feels right.

The horse eats when it feels right.

Our animals are always following their own instincts for what their bodies need in the moment that will serve them best. Rarely can we argue with them, either, if the dog wants a walk, it walks. When the cat wants to play, it’s going to play (even if that’s 3am).

Are you caring for your body and soul that deeply?

The other day I ended up with a headache. I had a lot to do, and a lot I wanted to do, and while ibuprofen helped me feel better I couldn’t shake the thought that I needed a nap. There was no logical reason, I had slept decently the night before, and while the headache was a problem it was fading with the help of meds.

But for some reason, my body just wanted to shut down. Who knows. I didn’t eat breakfast until very late, there have been several stressors in my life, and the planets and moon seem to be having fun right now doing all sorts of crazy things. So there were reasons, but it didn’t really matter which one, my body told me to sleep. I woke up feeling much better than when I laid down, and was glad I had taken the time to rest.

How deeply are you listening, and caring for your body? When was the last time you really tuned in to find out what it needed? If you’re ever unsure, just go connect with your pet. I’m sure they’ll be inspired to do something that feels right in the moment, and maybe if you follow along, you’ll find what’s right for you, too.