Purrs of Wisdom with Ingrid King

Impermanence is a principle of harmony. When we don’t struggle against it,
we are in harmony with reality. – Pema Chodron

The two photos in the collage above were taken five years apart. On the left is Ruby, looking out of our living room window one day last week. On the right is Buckley, enjoying the fall sunshine in the very same spot, in late 2008, about a month before she died. Looking at these two photos made me realize that accepting impermanence is a fact of life when you love cats. The beautiful fall colors in the photo remind us that nature is also all about impermanence, and the inevitability of change. Nothing lives forever.

Impermanence is a cornerstone of Buddhist teachings and practice. All that exists is impermanent, nothing lasts. When we don’t fully accept this tenet, we suffer. When we do accept it, we find peace. If we can accept that suffering, which can encompass anything from unhappiness and stress to anxiety and anguish, is one of the facts of human existence, we can then also appreciate the sweeter side of life: the genuine joy of living with an open heart. Accepting that nothing is permanent makes the present moment more precious.Continue Reading

I’ve previously written about following my bliss from corporate America to becoming a cat writer via working in veterinary hospitals and starting my own Reiki business. You can find out more about my path in my latest book, Adventures in Veterinary Medicine.

I never forget how fortunate I am that I found the courage to take the risks that were necessary along my journey. It wasn’t always easy, there were (and still are) moments of worry and doubt along the way, but I wouldn’t want my life to be anything but what it is.

I love sharing my own experience, and I also love cheering on others who embark on a similar journey.Continue Reading

I have a love hate relationship with fall: I enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn all around me,but I also can’t help but think about what comes afterwards. I’m a summer girl; I thrive on warm weather and sun light. Come to think of it, I’m much like a cat in that respect! I don’t like cold weather, and I definitely don’t like snow.

However, in the spirit of living in the moment – something my cats remind me to do each and every day – I try to embrace fall in all its glory. I’m making it a point to pay attention to the slow changes in the leaves in my backyard, and on my daily walks. I’m focusing on appreciating the beauty of the season, rather than on dreading the inevitable journey toward falling leaves and winter.Continue Reading

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how
gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha

Last week, we talked about why conscious living is good for us and for our cats. The quote above suggests another component to conscious living that’s also very important: gracious living.

The definition of “gracious” is “characterized by kindness and warm courtesy, “of a merciful and compassionate nature” and “characterized by charm, beauty and elegance.” I think these are all things worth striving for, and I also think that our cats already have all of these qualities.Continue Reading

There are hundreds of folk tales and superstitions surrounding cats, and one of them is that cats steal a dead person’s soul. Of course we know that that’s ridiculous. In fact, and I’m sure that all of you agree with me on this: cats are good for the soul.

People may fall into one of two categories: soul suckers or soul savers. But there’s no doubt in my mind that all cats are soul savers.

You probably know a soul sucker or two. Soul suckers are always negative, angry and judgmental. They get their kicks out of dividing people. They trade their soul for some perceived power over others; a power that exists only in their own minds. They’re the ones who always come up with warnings about everything. They leave nasty comments on blogs and on Facebook. Life is always hard, things are always bad, and they just know the world is going to hell in a hand basket. They suck all the energy out of a room, and they want everyone around them to commiserate and live the same miserable lives they do.Continue Reading