Spiritual Lessons From My Cat - How Cat Wisdom Helps Us Heal
Just before Valentine’s Day James and I adopted a cat. She was absolutely meant for us, and the way everything unfolded so spontaneously and so instantly was just magical. Overnight, our whole world changed for the better.
Fun fact - even though we gave her a name we had chosen years ago for when the time came, her name at the shelter was … “Dawn.” How amazing is that?
In the several months that she has been a part of our home, this cat has shown me so much. Recently, as I sat with my Higher Self about some inner healing I am working on connected to getting back into my flow, I asked for more help. What do I need to do to help heal this?
The answer? Learn from the cat. Follow her lead.
It made so much sense … As during my moments with her I observe the way she responds and find myself letting go of old patterns and falling more into hers.
Not my cat (but looks pretty close)
This is what our cat has taught me when it comes to inner healing:
Boundaries
She serves as an excellent reminder when it comes to the importance of boundaries. When the cat doesn’t want to play or cuddle, she never forces it. If she doesn’t like the food, she won’t eat it (whereas I, on the other hand, might choke it down anyway). Our cat never feels bad for drawing the line when she doesn’t want to engage … and neither should any of us.
Time to Decompress
When our cat is overstimulated, she leaves the room and chills on her own. How often do we force interactions when we should be keeping to ourselves instead? When she is ready to engage again, she re-emerges. I am more mindful of the way I share my time and energy when rest is what I really need.
Balancing Rest, Play & Focus
Spending time with our cat reminds me how important play time is. I can never be at my desk writing for too long before she asks me to follow her to a toy. In those moments of playtime, I am reminded of how refreshing the simple act of being playful is to my well-being. Watching how much joy playing brings my cat instills the importance of having fun, carefree moments. And to this, when it is time to rest, it is time to rest. She will stop everything to nap (and nap) or just sit quietly while observing all that is happening around her. When the cat is determined to hone in on a task (who else will guard our patio from squirrels?) she is laser-sharp focused. My spirit team often encourages me to find a better balance of rest and inner-child care, which allows me to better focus on my offerings.
Staying Present
Our cat acts as a persistent cue to stay in the moment. Less phone time! There are so many moments when I am petting her, I reach to check something on my phone and she starts making noises and gently pushes the phone away. Or she gives me side eye until I put it down. I am glad for these moments, because when I stay present with her I enjoy and cherish so much of these special interactions. There are so many times when I am sitting at my desk, surrounded by crystals and tarot cards, and I start to reach for my phone. I love this lesson and all that it holds.
Energetic Discernment
When something doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right. And our cat knows. She also doesn’t ignore when something feels off. I observe her closely and tune into what may be around. It is so easy to brush things off and ignore what may need attention (like a brief energetic home clearing) until later, but she reminds me the importance of fortifying safe spaces and energetic refinement.
The Magic of Nature
As I type this, the cat is moving her head back and forth and all around while pressed up to the screen of our open patio doors. Nothing gets past her and every awe-inspiring nature being that scurries or flies past is met with wonder and excitement. My guides encourage me to spend more time in nature, and every time I do I connect to my inner-child and am moved by the magic displayed before me.
Be Open to the Unexpected
Our cat brings so many surprises every day. I never know what to expect from her, or how the day will unfold. I am reminded to stay open and go with the flow, meeting her with curious wonder and intrigue. This state of being allows me to drop rigid patterns and lean into less control, and into more flow.
Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Known
The most crucial message I receive from my guides lately is to really be okay with being seen, heard and known, no matter what that looks like or how scary that may feel. This cat is never afraid to be vocal, push her way into situations (like my entire half of the bed) or remind us of her presence. The way she maneuvers without apology for existing serves as a great nudge when it comes to embodying the very act of being known. She takes up space on her terms.
Unconditional Love
This beautiful, sweet, funny, adorable cat has shown me so much about unconditional love, especially for the love I hold for myself. The love I have for her is so heart-felt and joyful, without condition or expectation. She reminds me to hold the same grace for myself, the same uninterrupted love. The way my heart has opened fills me with warmth and a deep, loving feeling.
Hardened areas of my heart have slowly begun to open since we adopted our cat. Parts of me that I have buried begin coming to the surface for me to feel and heal. The unconditional love and sweet acceptance is mutual and beautiful.
Our cat gently nudges us to focus on what matters and forget the rest. Even if we already know or practice these tips, they still serve as a helpful push for when we need to get back on track to come home to ourselves.
How has an animal impacted your own spiritual growth and healing? Share below.
You can find me this Saturday, May 16th in Gilbert, PA at the Flower Moon Festival. I will be offering a crystal healing workshop and meditation, plus readings, healings and some really cool crystals at my vendor table.
Sunday, May 17th I am hosting “Messages from Spirit - A Group Mediumship Event” at Now and Zen Wellness. There is still time to sign up! Message Lynn at Now and Zen to join us.
Dawn Marino is an Ethereal Medium & Channeler, Dark Night of the Soul Guide, Certified Crystal Energy Healer, Crystal Messenger, Trance Healer, Intuitive Tarot Reader, Healing Artist and Professional Writer. She connects to spirit guides, higher selves, angelic, elemental and cosmic beings. Dawn has published two books, the “Tarot Journal for Beginners” and the “Complete Guide to Tarot.” She also has written about her journey in the recently published anthology, “Lessons Between the Lines.” Dawn supports people feeling disconnected from their Higher Self, feeling stuck and lost on their spiritual journey. She works with people to help them through the Dark Night, working with them to reclaim their independence and unlock their potential. Dawn also helps beginner mediums on their path to mediumship. You can work with Dawn remotely over Zoom or in-person at Now and Zen Wellness in Throop, PA.
Visit healbydawn.com to learn more.
