This Too Shall Pass.

I believe this to be one of the most important and valuable phrases known to humankind!

If only we could just remember to tell ourselves this in times of difficulty and,  actually know it and feel it. How different we would feel and how much less we would suffer?

We may even move through things with less stress and anxiety.

Our beloved 11 year old Milly cat was awfully sick recently and despite four Vet consultations, including an afternoon stay for specific treatment, XRays and IV, her condition didn’t improve. It was suggested that she may need surgery to open her up to see if there’s a blockage somewhere in her beautiful little body.  Yikes! I found myself getting caught up in fear, worry and dread that we may have to make that painful decision we’ve had to make with the many, many animals in our care over the years as they reach their life’s end. By the way, 11 isn’t old for one of our cats – past loved ones have lived to be 20!

As I sat in meditation (with Milly next to me in her bed) I became acutely aware of the phrase ‘this too shall pass’ followed by ‘this moment only’ and it brought me great comfort. Up until then I’d been lumping every thought in together, getting way too frightened and letting my mind run riot with ‘what if’ thoughts.

After noticing what I was thinking and the consequent feelings I was experiencing, I quietened my mind down and sat peacefully with my hands (gently) on Milly. She accepted the comforting, healing energy and responded with loud purring and head buts despite her ailing health and I felt calmer and elated having those magnificent energies flowing so strongly through me.

Milly did end up needing surgery and due to a blockage, had 15 cm cut out of her intestine. She’s home with us again now, recovering well and bright as a button as if nothing happened.

Milly, like all her species (and other non-human beings) has that wonderful, inbuilt ability to live fully in each moment, taking whatever comes without the burden of thinking worrying and frightening thoughts. She accepts things as they are, avoiding unnecessary stress, therefore giving her body the best chance to recover.

Oh that humans could be more like cats!

I observe and learn a great deal from our animals. They live in the moment, free from worry and concern over what may happen next and even when they do get spooked by a loud noise or something similar they’re not used to, they settle back to their quiet moment quickly and easily. After they’ve been alerted and/or startled, I see them breathe, let out a long sigh and go back to a state of relaxation. They appear to intuitively know This Too Shall Pass.

I invite you to take the pledge with me.

“I hereby vow to be more like Milly and practice accepting things as they are, remaining calmly focussed in each moment. I will breathe slowly and deeply and intuitively know that all is working out, all is well”.

This Too Shall Pass and Every Day Gets Better. 😀