As the world began to grapple with the onset of the pandemic, everything changed overnight. The once-bustling streets fell silent, the vibrancy of daily life was replaced by an eerie stillness, and uncertainty loomed over us like a thick fog. It was during this time of upheaval that I found myself paying closer attention to my cat, Riri, as she navigated her own little universe amidst the chaos. Riri is a British shorthair with striking big yellow eyes and a coat of soft gray fur, had always been a source of comfort for me. But as I watched her during those initial days of lockdown, I realised that I had never truly observed her in this way before. With all the uncertainties swirling around us, I began to find solace in her simple, everyday routines.
At first, I was overwhelmed with anxiety. News reports filled with grim statistics and dire warnings bombarded me from every direction. I could feel the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. Like many, I was forced to adjust to a new normal, working from home and limited in my interactions with others. The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I found myself spiralling into a state of worry. But amidst the chaos, Riri seemed blissfully unaware of the world outside our window. As I sat at my desk, attempting to concentrate on work, I would often glance over at her. She would be perched on the windowsill, sunbathing in the warm rays for hours, her big yellow eyes half-closed in a state of pure contentment. In those moments, I envied her ability to find joy in the simplest things.
One of the first behaviours that caught my attention was Riri’s fascination with the changing environment outside. The streets, once filled with people and cars, were now a rare sight. Birds returned to the sidewalks, and flowers began to bloom in the absence of human activity. Riri, with her keen instincts, would sit for hours watching the world go by. I found myself drawn to her observations, often sitting beside her in silence, sharing in her curiosity.
As the days turned into weeks, I began to document Riri’s daily activities. I started a journal, noting down her quirks and habits. It became a form of therapy for me, a way to channel my anxiety into something productive. I watched her chase after imaginary prey, pouncing on dust motes dancing in the air, and I couldn’t help but smile. Her playful spirit reminded me that life, even in its simplest form, could still be beautiful. 215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaZ1jC1wsF
One particular afternoon stands out in my memory. I had just finished a video call with my client, feeling drained from the endless stream of virtual meetings. I glanced over at Riri, who had taken up residence in a cardboard sneakerbox that had been sitting in the living room since the last online shopping binge. She was sprawled out, oblivious to the world, her little paws sticking out at odd angles. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Here was this majestic creature, ruling over her cardboard kingdom, completely unbothered by the chaos of the outside world. I realised that Riri had mastered the art of living in the moment, a lesson I desperately needed to learn. In that instant, I promised myself to be more present, to embrace the little joys each day brought, just as she did.
As the days continued to roll by, I noticed how Riri’s routine also seemed to shift with the changing atmosphere. While she had always been a creature of habit, the pandemic seemed to give her a new sense of freedom. With me home all the time, she had constant access to companionship and playtime. I created new routines around her, incorporating play sessions into my work breaks. We would engage in spirited games of chase, with her darting around the living room as I threw her favorite toys or shooting that red laser beam. The laughter that filled our home was a welcome reprieve from the anxiety that had become so familiar. I found myself looking forward to these moments, where time felt suspended, and our bond deepened. Riri, with her playful nature, had unwittingly become my anchor, my mindfulness, during this tumultuous period.
Yet, there were also moments when I felt the weight of isolation creeping in. The absence of social interactions began to take its toll, and I would often find myself feeling down or unmotivated. It was during one of these low points that Riri curled up beside me on the couch, purring softly. The warmth of her body against mine provided a comforting reminder that I was not alone. In those quiet moments, I began to reflect on the importance of connection, not just with others but with ourselves. I realized that while the world outside was chaotic, I could still find peace within my home, with the company of Riri. Riri had a way of grounding me, of bringing me back to the present when my mind wandered to future uncertainties. I also started to explore the idea of gratitude. Each day, I would jot down a few things I was thankful for, no matter how small. More often than not, Riri’s antics made the list. Whether it was her hilarious attempts to catch a fly or the way she would stretch luxuriously after a nap, I found joy in these everyday occurrences. They served as a reminder that even in difficult times, there were still moments to cherish.
As I continued to observe Riri, I began to recognise her as a source of inspiration. Her ability to adapt, to find joy in the mundane, and to embrace the present moment became lessons I wanted to carry forward. I realised that if she could find happiness in the simple act of chasing a shadow or basking in the sunlight, then perhaps I could learn to do the same. By the end of the first thirty days of lockdown, I had not only gained a deeper understanding of Riri but also of myself. I had transformed my anxiety into curiosity and my worries into reflections. Through my cat’s eyes, I was learning to navigate this new reality with grace and resilience.
As I sat down to write this book, I felt a surge of gratitude for both Riri and the journey we had embarked on together. It was a journey of observation, reflection, and ultimately, self-discovery. In the face of uncertainty, I had found a path to healing. This was just the beginning of the adventure, and I was eager to share the lessons learned from the thirty days of observation in the later chapters. Little did I know, the journey would lead to a deeper understanding of not only my cat but also of what it means to care for ourselves during trying times.
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