I GLANCED OUT THE BATHROOM window to see an orange cat sitting on the back steps. Eyes closed. Every bit the image of contentment on a cold Minnesota morning.
The spot just outside the kitchen door and next to the garage sheltered the tabby from the wind, offering a place of warmth and sunshine following an unseasonably early record snowfall here in southern Minnesota on October 20. Since then, temps have risen from the 30s into the 60s and only a few patches of the 8-inch snowfall remain in shaded areas and in piles pushed by snowplows.
As I watched the cat, I focused on his/her closed eyes. Peace emanated as this feline did whatever cats do when their eyes are closed. Maybe the cat napped. Maybe not. But that stray cat with eyelids pressed shut somehow soothed me, reminded me that finding a place of peace is possible if we choose to seek, recognize and embrace it.
THOUGHTS? I’d like to hear where and how you’re finding peace these days. We can all learn from one another.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Such the sun worshipper of contentment – love it 🙂 I have really made my home my peaceful sanctuary. I also take to the mat two times a week to just work out the whole being too – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Another contentment practice has been given myself some little things to look forward to. It really helps me keep connected and grounded as well as motivated and excited. You truly have to DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU and YOUR WHOLE BEING!!! Take Care, Be Safe, Happy Day – Enjoy.
I always appreciate your specific ideas on ways to improve our health. And I always appreciate your upbeat attitude.
First of all – absolutely my favorite kind of cat picked your house to share a spot of warmth and sunshine. I am trying to remain positive and look for my own spots of sunshine like this cat. Walking around the lake or to the park, watching sunrises and just really soaking in every blessed moment that I have been gifted . Loving on animals also definitely helps me so off I go to find a cat…
I’m laughing…off you go to find a cat. Your ways to find peace are excellent. Thank you for sharing those.
Reblogged this on Journey to the Top of the World and commented:
❤ unPicture Book Month, Year 2, Day 4
"…language of the animals…" ❤ No human words needed… Thank you for this moment of Peace for today…
Thank you for appreciating my cat photo and accompanying thoughts.
Thank you… I can see how this post might generate a few children’s picture book ideas, it is so very precious!!
So kind of you to say that. Thank you.
I have a rock in my back garden that for those few moments that the sun peeked through the clouds yesterday I did the same as that cat. I sat, closed my eyes, and soaked in the radiance. It has always centered and grounded me in the most difficult times. But, even in joyful times it has a way of documenting the moment of peaceful energy.
Paula, thank you for sharing this way in which you center yourself and experience calming in the most difficult of times. I can almost feel the warmth of that rock warmed by the sun.
Being outdoors always has been, and continues to uplift me.
We had a caramel colored cat…just like your porch friend. She was the best! I think petting animals is a good calming technique.
You are right on the calming technique when petting animals. And, yes, being outdoors works wonders on one’s spirit.
Love that peaceful cat! We find peace by walking early in the morning. We have a lot of places that are wooded not far from our house, so that’s been an essential part of our self-care for a long time. We also practice meditation a few days a week. I do yoga. And I’ve returned to reading mysteries at bedtime instead of watching the late-night news. That’s helped me sleep so much better.
I’m so thankful you have found ways to bring you peace. I enjoy mysteries, too, my favorite genre, although I’m attempting to branch out.
Love this, Audrey. We have to take the peace & tranquility where we can find it, right? Mine is my back yard, watching the birds, squirrels, my dog, etc.
Agreed. Birds, squirrels, dogs, cats…