On May 12th 2024 Sue and I adopted a cat from the Cochrane Humane Society. She is a calico (black, white and ginger) and we called her Tess. We were determined that she would she would fit into our life style and our mantra was “No Compromise”. However, it hasn’t quite worked out like that.
She’s a chatty cat and lets us know when she’s hungry or wants to play. When it’s time to sleep she goes to the end of our bed but then wakes Sue up (not me) at 3.00am. She loves looking out the window at the birds and makes a “chattering” sounds when they fly too close.
One of my favourite quotes is by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now: “I have lived with several Zen Masters…….all of them are cats."
I decided to ask AI how cats were like Zen Masters. This is what came back. Then I compared to Tess to see how much of a Zen Master she was:
Mindfulness and Presence:
Cats are known for their ability to focus intently on the present moment, whether it's watching a bird outside or grooming themselves. This "be here, now" approach aligns with the Zen philosophy of staying present and avoiding dwelling on the past or future.
Tess is definitely a living in the moment cat. One of her favourite activities is the “Zoomies”, running at break neck speed all around the house. Then she sleeps.
Calm and Serene:
Cats are naturally calm and peaceful animals, often found napping in sunny spots or simply observing their surroundings with a serene demeanour. This calmness can be inspiring for those seeking to cultivate a more peaceful and mindful state of mind.
She has times when she is calm. She loves sitting in my office chair and sleeping. I then have to gently roll my chair to the side and I sit in a camp chair…..no compromise!
Observation and Attention:
Cats are masters of observation, carefully watching their environment and reacting to stimuli with focused attention. This keen awareness can be a valuable lesson for those looking to improve their own attentiveness and mindfulness.
When she spots a bird on the other side of the window, her ears go up and she stands still just with her tail swaying from side to side.
Simplicity and Acceptance:
Cats often live simply, without excessive attachments or desires, which resonates with the Zen principle of letting go of unnecessary attachments and embracing the present moment.
She does live a simple life. She is either sleeping, eating or waiting to eat. She likes to play and has an abundance of balls with bells in, toilet rolls and little stuff toys. If life could only be so simple.
Well, we’ve decided that Tess is definitely a Zen Master and she brings a little bit of Zen into our lives every day.
© 2025 Martin Parnell
