December 2006 Newsletter
Online Issue # 14
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The Front Page
Showing Up
About a year ago I decided to explore a volunteer opportunity at a nearby humane society for companion animals located near my home. Following the death of our one remaining beloved elderly cat, we agreed to live without pet responsibilities for at least a year. Eighteen years of devoted service to the pleasures and needs of three opinionated cats, caused me to think this "time-out" was a really good idea. However, I didn't want it to mean there would be no cats in my life in the meantime.
On a spontaneous Saturday visit to the humane society, just to see and be around cats, I talked with a volunteer who was brushing cats and he encouraged me to think about volunteering. Before I left, I signed up to attend the next general orientation session to learn more about volunteer opportunities. I applied for and interviewed to become a volunteer cat groomer: someone who shows up for at least eight hours each month to socialize and groom cats, something I delight in and might even excel at. I love to talk with each cat I groom, massage their favorite spots-under the chin and behind the ears-and pet, brush or comb their fur in a way that they enjoy.
Our three cats were all considered DSHs, domestic short hairs, who essentially groomed themselves as needed. They lived the life of cat luxury with all of their needs and most of their desires met. They had the run of the house and a minimum of stress. It wasn't until their health declined considerably that they required assistance with grooming. And even then, they assisted each other. I cherish the memory of watching one cat groom another who no longer had the energy or flexibility to care for himself.
This is when I discovered the joy of offering full-body cat massage with a warm, damp flannel cloth, followed by gentle rubbing with a dry fluffy washcloth. I stumbled upon this healing ritual, healing for both cat and me, and one to which I gave my complete, unhurried attention. It allowed me to be present, moment by sweet moment.
I'm experiencing something similar now as a volunteer cat groomer. I'm learning to show up for each cat I interact with, some I recognize from previous visits and some I'm meeting for the first time. During the five to ten minutes I spend with each cat, I want them to have my undivided love and attention. I want them not to forget how great it is to be a cat that is adored and smothered with love. The scratches behind the ears, the tummy rub and the sweet conversations are often soaked up by every waiting cell. Although they are well cared for and safe while waiting to be adopted, they are nevertheless waiting-in an unfamiliar place with strange people, sounds and scents-minus their routines. It is an in-between, stressful time; and it is not home.
I know from my own life and work that waiting can be extremely difficult. Showing up each day and living in the moment is supposed to help; I've heard that is what cats do naturally. But for those of us who tend to leap ahead of a situation and who want to know, right now, "How much longer?", waiting can feel unbearable.
I remember as a child that sometimes waiting for five minutes seemed impossible to me, almost painful. I felt that I would self-destruct from all the effort it took to do nothing, but wait. I was frustrated that I couldn't make time go any faster. Over the years, I've learned more about waiting simply by needing to do it. Who of us hasn't had to wait months or even years for some things to reach completion?
In the meantime we have this opportunity that is with us every day: to notice what is here, now, often right in front of us. We can ignore what is or we can show up and give it our full attention, until we begin to notice the details that alter what we see and experience.
Remember the familiar saying, I'll believe it when I see it. And it's alternate form, You'll see it when you believe it.
As this year slips away to meet its end and a fresh new year comes forth to greet you, I wish you the courage to throw open your arms in a welcome embrace, seeing what is right in front of you with a heart that is ready to choose.
With gratitude,
Laurie Mattila
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