Lessons from Serafina - a Scaredy Kat

She has no claws - she came to us that way

no defense

but acts like she does - like she has to fight

a tough cookie - like she owns the place

like she’s in charge

even though she just got here

she'll hiss - and lash out - no threat in sight - hyper vigilant

feeling trouble where all is well

but it’s

with no claws - an energetic release

no ability to harm

calm down dear Serafina - no need to fight

no need to hiss

no need to throw soft paws in the air

an aggressive move with calm Rascal - maybe because she knows he won’t take the bait.

and he doesn’t - he’s solid - a rock

Rascal - aka the big guy - doesn't flinch when faced with her clawless spar - her mock fight

he just sits there like - "yo dude - chill."

Rascal’s so at peace - he feels no threat - all is well in his world

Rascal - the big guy

relaxes with catnip. among flowers. at peace, he wont’ take her bait. he won’t flinch.

a teacher

a healer

Maybe we have been Serafina or still are - or know someone who is…. or in certain moments - like when in a new environment, or someone makes an upredictable move, or when the past sneaks up from behind.

scared

scared as a baseline

scared as a resting place

a persistent scared

a scaredy kat

or

a survivor

we understand

we know

let’s imagine it as an exotic dance - a dance that works out the past

let’s imagine it as a kriya - a yoga set -

her hiss as a song - an energetic release

don’t take it too seriously - it will dissipate when the energy clears

in time

with practice

The last few mornings I have found her sitting on a blanket on my mat. I like that. KitKat and Nico used to join me for yoga every day - I’m glad she’s making her way to the mat.

Work it out

Release the past

Observe the darkness

Breathe

All is well dear Serafina.

Let people see your beauty. You are royalty. In time, you will emerge - with the innocence, curiosity and power of the kitten within.

It takes one to know one.

Janet - Another Scaredy Kat