(Stillness in the Storm Editor) Why are cats, dogs, and other cuddly creatures adored by humans, especially of late? There are many reasons.
I would argue that, from a spiritual point of view, we motivated to love all things, as the Creator loves all things. As part of this spiritual drive, we have physical or material instincts, the material reflection of a higher spiritual reality.
As social creatures, human animals, we need intimate affectionate relationships. As a matter of fact, our entire neurology is hardwired to find, maintain, and enjoy close intimate relationships with other people. Studies have shown, like this one, that mental illness is directly correlated with social isolation. The less you manage your need for social expression the more emotional toxicity you’ll experience.
In the modern world, where we get a lot of our social interaction through cell phones, the physical intimacy part isn’t as prominent. But we still need it. As a matter of fact, part of us doesn’t feel satiated by non-physical social interaction. I would argue, this is why hugging and therapeutic touch therapies are becoming more and more common.
Think about that. Medical professionals acknowledge that we need more physical intimate contact and we don’t get enough.
How much of the stress in your life comes from not getting touched enough?
When was the last time you were touched by another human being, in an intimate yet platonic way, for more than just a handshake?
I’ll share, if it wasn’t for my girlfriend and her pets, I’d get almost no physical contact with other living things. And prior to our relationship, I didn’t physically touch anyone for months.
Given this serious yet unacknowledge intimacy deprivation problem, what ways of coping have naturally emerged?
Enter animals.
Why is a cat or dog so comforting, given the status quo? Because most domesticated cats and dogs are unconditionally affectionate.
For the most part, your cat or dog will love you with all the intensity of a young child.
They won’t see your faults.
They’ll forget about that time you yelled at them when you were stressed and using them as an emotional punching bag.
And they’ll be there, at home, when you need them. They won’t abandon you.
In a way, modern-day pets have become an emotional support tool for a society and culture that has failed to teach people the importance of maintaining healthy relationships in life.
But these more conspiratorial and controversial points aside, the bottom line is we need to love and be loved.
Animals can be a valid part of this deep need for intimacy.
I would just suggest, that unless you want to be the cat lady, or man, down the road, perhaps maintaing a few human connections is a good idea too.
– Justin
(John Amodeo) What felines can teach us about affection
by John Amodeo, July 6th, 2015
If you’re like me, you adore cats. Why do we find these creatures so irresistible?
Perhaps like me, you’ve owned a cat — or more likely, been owned by one. You know the joy that cats can bring, even when they’re being obnoxious. What is it about cats that captures our hearts and enslaves us through their charm?
What follows can also be applied to dogs.
These beautiful creatures have a rare quality that humans would do well to cultivate: a large capacity to receive affection. When a lovely cat saunters our way, it’s not easy to resist the impulse to stroke him or her, even when it’s not so wise. On a recent trip to Thailand, I spotted an irresistible cat in a café. I foolishly felt safe to approach her with an offer of affection. When she rolled on her back, I took this to mean that my advances were welcomed. But shockingly, she abruptly changed her mind and scratched me before I had time to withdraw. Perhaps this was a cat with an ambivalent attachment style.
As blood was flowing from my hand, the café owner offered a belated warning: “I meant to tell you she’s a feral cat and it’s best to keep your distance.” I replied, “Well, thanks for the warning, but she seemed so irresistible.” Next time, I’ll maintain better boundaries, but the incident made me wonder why some of us (or is it just me?) will expose ourselves to danger for the potential gratification of petting a darned cat?
Feeling Received
One reason we may love to stroke these adorable creatures is because the rhythmic action of stroking their velvety fur feels good. It focuses our attention, as happens in meditation. But I’m convinced there’s more to it than that.
I believe that a major reason we love cats is because of an uncanny ability that few humans possess: they register our tactile presence in a deeply felt way. They really know how to let us in! They’re right there in the delectable moment receiving our touch.
Delighting in our physical presence, they may begin to purr and perhaps roll on their backs, exposing their vulnerability. As if to say, “I trust you. Give me some love and make me feel good.” Their gift to us is that they receive us deeply, without any troubling cognitions or disturbing memories of less savory moments, such as when we forgot to feed them or clean their litter box. They let all of that go. They’re just here with us right now.
Perhaps you’re blessed to have a partner who receives you in a deep way. What a gift to sense that your partner is really letting you in. But sadly, most of us have blocks to receiving deeply and freely. Perhaps past conflicts or traumas have muddied the waters. Or, we’ve been taught that giving is nobler than receiving and we believe that we’re selfish if we receive uninhibitedly.
Buy Book The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World
Cats teach us that this ain’t so. Most likely, we don’t judge cats as being selfish; we relish how openly they let us in. Or, perhaps we think they’re selfish, but we don’t mind. Humans could use more healthy narcissism in regard to receiving people more deeply.
Research has shown that cats can be very healing for us. A 10-year research study suggests that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attacks than people who have never owned one. The latter group was 40 percent more likely to die from heart attacks and 30 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Other studies confirm that cats can lower our blood pressure and release dopamine and serotonin, which reduce stress and improve immune functioning.
Cats can also help release oxytocin, which is associated with the feeling of being in love. As we know, love heals, and perhaps an important aspect of this healing is the bonding created by their ability to receive us deeply. I have fond memories of my now deceased cat slowly sauntering toward me and lying on my chest, purring. It’s a precious feeling that puts us into a relaxed state.
As expressed by Paul Zak, author of The Moral Molecule, this love bond may explain why “people spend thousands of dollars to treat a pet medically rather than euthanize it and simply get a new animal.”
If you’re fortunate to have an affectionate cat in your life, notice how he or she receives your affection. How do you feel inside when you’re being deeply received? Similarly, when someone who you like gives a hug or offers affection, experiment with letting it in. Be a cat. Get out of your head, take a deep, easy breath, and be mindfully present with how it feels in your body to receive a hug and affection from a loved one. Whether from a cat or human, letting in love just might heal you.
Deviant Art image by ClassicSonicSatAm
Stillness in the Storm Editor: Why did we post this?
Psychology is the study of the nature of mind. Philosophy is the use of that mind in life. Both are critically important to gain an understanding of as they are aspects of the self. All you do and experience will pass through these gateways of being. The preceding information provides an overview of this self-knowledge, offering points to consider that people often don’t take the time to contemplate. With the choice to gain self-awareness, one can begin to see how their being works. With the wisdom of self-awareness, one has the tools to master their being and life in general, bringing order to chaos through navigating the challenges with the capacity for right action.
– Justin
Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools.
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well that brought tears to my eyes…