Our two cats, Ume and Reiko, are so very cute, and sweet, and cuddly, and affectionate, that I have rarely felt as much love for something in my life. They were curled up in a ball into each other, nestled for warmth this morning, Ume nuzzling into Reiko, rolling back her head for chin and belly scratches. They have so much trust for me. That level of trust and openness engenders a surprising amount of love. It's interesting how vulnerability can end up being so powerful. I feel like they are teaching me about bhakthi, (divine love, devotion): if I can feel somewhat near that level of love for the rest of God's creation, or for God itself I would be a great devotee. And so it is a pathway into that feeling of love, that can then perhaps be generalized or cannalized.
It's also a pathway into gratitude, that I have such sweet companions with me all day long. It makes me deeply appreciative for my life. And it makes me think about loss, as well. I think about how they will almost certainly die before I do, and what a loss that will be, and it reminds me to pause and take time just to connect with them, give them head scratches or bump my head against theirs. To live well in the moment, not just for future goals.
It teaches me that we can feel love from each other, feel presence and attention. If I am doing something on my phone, they are not as happy, even if I'm petting them. But if I bring my attention fully to them, maybe bring my head close to theirs, they start purring like a motor. Not just humans, but animals, and plants, can feel our love, and respond to it like a flower opening to the sun. It's a gift you can give to others, and it ends up being a gift for yourself as well, because letting love flow through you to others, that love is experienced by both.
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