My former theology professors would probably have my head for writing such an irreverent piece for the First Sunday of Advent instead of sticking to the more spiritual themes of gratitude, mindfulness, family, etc. But during mass the other day the priest reminded us all that Advent is the time for preparation for Christmas, and preparation of the heart, body and soul encompasses a whole lot more than sitting through retreats and masses. No, I do not espouse the maniacal materialistic shopping sprees either, but if you look around, some of the best spiritual gurus are four-legged.
As an animal communicator I have learned so much about my feline companions over the past months, over and beyond the common human-animal behavioural interaction, and at the rest of sounding like a broken records, it has been a fascinating journey. The first Advent spirit guide I’d like to introduce you to is Sensei Felis.
Let’s face it: if cats were in charge of the world, things would be a lot more relaxed and psychotherapists, life coaches and philosophers would be out of jobs. After all, cats are natural-born philosophers, experts in leisure, and maestros of the art of “I’m too busy being fabulous to care.”
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable
Cats are the masters of self-care. They spend hours grooming, making sure their fur is pristine and their whiskers are just the right level of majestic. You’ve never seen a cat with messy hair, and it’s because they take pride in their appearance. Even when they’re at their laziest, they’ll still give themselves a full head-to-tail grooming session like it’s a spa day.
Life Lesson: Never underestimate the power of a good self-care routine. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a skincare regimen, or just time spent alone with your thoughts, prioritize it. You’re your own best investment—look after yourself like you’re a top-tier luxury item.
Embrace Your Inner Diva
Have you ever noticed how cats just know they’re the most important creature in any room? Whether it’s the way they slowly stretch, yawn, and demand attention (with a raised paw, of course), or how they refuse to accept that the couch isn’t just for them, cats are the true definition of diva behaviour. They exude confidence, even if they’re not sure what’s happening around them.
Life Lesson: Walk into a room like you own it. Don’t apologize for taking up space. Cats teach us that confidence is key. If you don’t have a reason to feel fabulous, make one up. Your inner diva is waiting to be unleashed.
Nap Like No One’s Watching
Forget productivity culture. Cats have mastered the art of napping, and not just any nap—their naps are deep, uninterrupted, and unapologetically frequent. They nap in all positions: belly up, curled in a perfect circle, draped over the back of a chair like a velvet rug. They take naps anywhere, anytime—on the couch, on your laptop, in a sunbeam, or, more likely, in the spot that will annoy you the most. Naps are not meant to be glamorous, so go ahead, shut the world out and take that power nap.
Life Lesson: Take a break! Naps aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity. If cats can spend 16 hours a day sleeping and still look fabulous, so can you. Hit that snooze button. It’s your life, and you deserve it.
Master the Art of the Side-Eye
Cats are the undisputed champions of the side-eye. Whether you’re trying to get them into a carrier or daring to move their favorite blanket, their gaze is a mixture of disdain and disbelief. They can silently judge you from across the room in ways that no human could ever achieve. This is something Sir Reddington has taught me and he is the champion of the side-eye, especially if I interrupt his nap.
Life Lesson: Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. If you don’t feel like engaging, give your problem (or your annoying coworker) the patented side-eye. A look can say it all. Plus, it adds an air of mystery—no one will ever know exactly how you feel, but they’ll know they’ve messed with the wrong person.
Know When to Quit (And Leave the Room)
Cats know that sometimes, the best option is just to leave. When things aren’t going their way, they don’t waste time arguing or complaining—they just up and leave. Whether it’s the wrong kind of food in their bowl or a dog trying to be friends, cats don’t waste their precious energy. They simply walk off, tail high, as if to say, “I’m above this nonsense.” Here, grumpy old Cheddar is the best at this. I swear he must have been a donkey in a previous life!
Life Lesson: When you find yourself in a situation that’s draining your energy or wasting your time, take a cue from the cats and exit gracefully. Not every battle is worth fighting, and sometimes, the best move is to just walk away. Leave the room, and don’t look back.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Little Weird and Play
Life Lesson: Embrace your weirdness. Find time for the things that make you laugh, bring out your inner child, or spark a little bit of joy, even if it seems silly. Life doesn’t always have to be about work and responsibility. There’s no harm in being a little eccentric every now and then. Cats are proof that letting your quirky side shine is not only acceptable but totally entertaining. You don’t need a reason to jump around the house like you’re auditioning for a circus. Just do it. It’ll make you feel alive.
If you’ve ever watched a cat chase an invisible bug or leap into the air for no apparent reason, you’ve seen the magic of feline spontaneity. Cats have no shame when it comes to indulging in their odd little quirks, from zoomies at 3 a.m. to pouncing on a single leaf for half an hour. Oh my four kittens (The Pastries) have no shame in being weird at 3:00am and I have to envy their lack of restraint in having fun any time of the day. They’ll leap, pounce, and stalk with the seriousness of a tiger hunting its prey—but for the pure joy of it. There’s no “too old to play” in the feline world. We tend to lose this the older we get, and it is important to surround yourself with a tribe that reminds you otherwise.
Assert Your Territory
Have you ever seen a cat claim a new spot in the house? They don’t ask for permission. They simply walk into the room, stretch, and flop down on whatever piece of furniture they’ve decided is theirs now. If you try to move them, they give you a look that says, “I’ve already claimed this. You’re welcome to join, but I’m not moving.” I’ve written about this in the past, about the importance of having a spot, corner or room to yourself where you can shut the door and do your thing uninterrupted.
Life Lesson: Set boundaries. If you’ve decided something is yours—whether it’s a seat on the couch, a personal time slot in your schedule, or just space for your thoughts—assert your claim and defend it with pride. You don’t need to be rude about it, but make it clear that your territory is non-negotiable.
Sometimes, You Just Need to Chill Out
Finally, cats are the ultimate chill-masters. No matter what chaos is going on around them, they always seem to find a way to be relaxed. They can be surrounded by loud noises, vacuum cleaners, and the distant sound of the neighbor’s dog barking, yet still manage to remain perfectly composed. Cats simply know when to be.
Life Lesson: Calm down. The world is loud, chaotic, and stressful—but you don’t have to participate in all of it. Find your quiet space, take a deep breath, and let the world do its thing while you simply exist in peace.
if you want to live a stress-free, fabulous life, just do what cats do. Nap, groom, play, be fabulous, and above all—never apologize for your diva-like behavior. The world is your cat tree, and you should rule it with a confident tail flick and a sassy strut. Who’s going to stop you? Not the humans, that’s for sure.
New from The Esoteric Frog:
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