To set the tone for this post, we begin with a little Zen cat humor…
A Zen cat once asked his master, “Is it OK to use email?”
“Yes,” replied the master, “But no attachments.”
We came across a wonderful new book called The Power of Meow. It’s the latest in the installment of the Dalai Lama’s Cat series where His Holiness’s Cat (“HHC”) is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment.
She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life’s greatest joy, the here and now.
The author and his publicist graciously donated 5 signed copies of The Power of Meow to The Purrington Post which we raffled off to 5 lucky readers (the contest ended on Mar. 8/17 and was available only to residents of the United States and Canada).
To enter the contest each participant had to submit a comment in our “Leave a Reply” section at the bottom saying:
My cat’s name is [insert your cat’s name]. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from [insert your cat’s name] it would be that I need to… [insert your answer].
The 5 winners were chosen at random from all correct entries and contacted by email.
Enjoy the comments that our readers submitted…we certainly did!
We had the opportunity to chat with author David Michie and thought we’d start with a sneak peek at an excerpt from the first chapter of The Power of Meow…in David’s own words:
I am ashamed to have to begin this book with a confession. A revelation so embarrassing I’d much rather not be making it. Living with the Dalai Lama, surrounded by monks at Namgyal Monastery, and constantly encountering the most revered meditation masters in Tibetan Buddhism, one would assume that among my many admirable qualities I am an accomplished meditator.
Alas, dear reader, I am not!
I may be gorgeous beyond words, with my mesmerizing blue eyes, charcoal face, and sumptuous cream coat. I may be a global celebrity whose well-being is a subject of frequent inquiry by luminaries as diverse as the occupants of the Oval Office, Buckingham Palace, and the more rarefied enclaves of the Hollywood Hills.
But a natural meditator? If only!
I have tried, on several occasions. But no sooner have I settled my mind on the sensation of my breath than I find myself thinking about Mrs. Trinci’s diced chicken liver. Or the discomfort in my hind legs. Or, somehow, both of those subjects mixed up at the same time.
There is a general belief that we cats are mindful creatures, who constantly “live in the moment.” While it’s true that we can focus our minds with great intensity, especially when our hunting instincts are aroused, it is equally true that we spend much of our time thinking.
We give little outward show of this. But how many of your own thoughts are visible? And if they were, would you have any friends left, pray tell?!
If you ever doubted that your feline companion has her own inner life, just watch what happens when she falls asleep and loses conscious control of her physical being. Inevitably you will notice a twitching of limbs, a quivering of the jaw, sometimes perhaps a snuffling noise or a meow. What are these, if not the involuntary accompaniment to the imagined drama playing out in her mind? Cats may indeed be capable of great mindfulness. But we are thinking beings, too.
In my own case, unfortunately, a being who thinks rather too much.
We think his sentiments ring true with so many of us in today’s chaotic environment which is why we thought this book was so relevant and worthwhile. Following are a few questions we asked of David along with his candid answers…
Q: What inspired you to write The Power of Meow?
‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle is one of the best known books on mindfulness. I thought it would be helpful to offer a more playful and very accessible version written from a feline perspective.
Q: How different is it from The Dalai Lama’s Cat?
The Dalai Lama’s cat provides a general introduction not only to the Dalai Lama and his cat, but also to the ideas of Tibetan Buddhism. This book continues with our cast of favourite characters while delivering more into the benefits of mindful living.
Q: If you could distill into 5 key messages/takeaways from the book, what would they be?
Practising meditation is the very best thing we can do to manage stress, that would be one key message. It’s also the case that only through meditation can we experience our own mind for ourselves. Becoming more aware of what is happening in our own minds gives us the power to more effectively manage our thoughts and feelings, enabling us to develop greater equanimity. And we shouldn’t forget that when humans meditate, they become cat magnets!
Q: David, you had to see this question coming…do you own a cat(s)?
Yes. I have always had cats in my life – as well as many other creatures. Our two very pampered felines right now are Kahlua the Calico and Narla the Ginger Ninja.
Photo: David and Narla
Q: Were there any interesting/unusual events that occurred during the writing process?
The Dalai Lama happened to visit Perth, Australia, where I live. At a corporate lunch, in front of a room full of suited executives, someone in the audience said they had just read The Dalai Lama’s Cat and asked him a question about karma, which the book had got them thinking about. I thought it was hilarious. A lot of people assume that the Dalai Lama is intimately familiar with these books. In reality, while he knows of their existence, as an enlightened being its hardly like he needs to read about Tibetan Buddhism from me!
Q: Was the book targeted at any specific audience/demographic?…e.g. crazy cat owners?
They’re really just for anyone curious about Buddhism and/or who enjoys the distinctively quirky appeal of cats. I really wanted to write something that was fun, but offered a bit more depth – messages of personal significance, rather than just some cheesy cat book.
As it happened, only after writing the first Dalai Lama’s Cat book I discovered that, psychologically speaking, cat lovers are more interested in alternative spiritual traditions and less conventional than their dog loving peers. Which is why my most recent book about a corgi was firmly placed in the Western mainstream (The Queen’s Corgi).
Q: Why should all our readers (who didn’t win a copy) rush to their web browsers and immediately buy your book?
The Buddhist answer to that question, which immediately sprang to mind, is that they may die tomorrow, and how terrible would it be to be lying on your deathbed thinking that you had missed that final opportunity for a bit of feline enlightenment?!
But if you want a more socially palatable reason, may I suggest readers hoof it over to amazon and check out what other readers say about the book. Hopefully that may convince them to do the right thing!
Photo: David and Kahlua
Q: Do you have any new cat-themed books planned or in the creative process? (50 Shades of Feline perhaps)?
If I may give a feline answer to that question, maybe I have. Or maybe I haven’t. Depends. There are movie plans afoot – a teaser is currently being developed to show investors. Once it looks like that is well underway, I think His Holiness’s Cat (HHC) may well be encouraged to apply her velvet pads to the keyboard once again.
Q: Any final message (tidbit of wisdom) you’d like to share in closing?
Research shows that people who share their lives with cats are 40% less likely to have a stroke or heart disease than those who don’t. Why this is has yet to be scientifically established – but to me the answer is obvious. There is nothing more calming than a purring cat. That relaxing effect is contagious. And it works at a deep, psycho-physical level.
What’s more, most cats love it when we meditate. They can’t wait to join us when we make that energetic shift. It is, in a sense, our way of purring – and they pick up on it very powerfully. So, my final message would be: the best thing you can do for you, and your cat, is to meditate. Just ten minutes a day is enough to get going. Your cat will love you for it. And you’ll find you relate to your cat in a much more profound and wonderful way than you ever did before.
Image credits: Photos provided by David Michie, cartoon from joy-of-cartoon-pictures.com
Summary
David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of a number of books about mindfulness, meditation and Buddhism. These include the non-fiction titles ‘Why Mindfulness is Better than Chocolate’, ‘Hurry Up and Meditate’ and ‘Buddhism for Busy People’, as well as his popular novel series ‘The Dalai Lama’s Cat’. His books are available in 25 languages in over 40 different countries.
My cat’s name is Brando. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Brando it would be that I need to… Slow down, relax more and take time to pet the cat.
My cat’s name is Mike. If there is one life lesson I have learned from Mike it is that I need to ignore more people.
My cat’s name is Spook. If there’s one life lesson I’ve learned from Spook, it’s that being a little different is a blessing, not a curse. He’s blind in one eye, and he’s never slowed down once because of it. It also gives him a unique look that endears him to everyone he meets, earning him extra pets.
My cat’s name is Ronaldo. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Ronaldo it would be that I need to never count rest/nap time
If there’s one life lesson that I have learned from Misty it would be that I need to have more patience, learn to
forgive more easily and to give more of my time with her.
My cat’s name is Faye. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Faye it would be that I need to… you have to be able to fly around the room and nap on Mama’s lap. In other words, live on the wild side while still enjoying relaxing.
My cats name Is Zeus. If There’s One Life Lesson That I Learned From Zeus it would be that I need to enjoy the quiet time to myself more slow down and enjoy what I have not what I don’t
My cat’s name is Ouija. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Ouija is that I’m merely his servant and he is the master of the home.
My cat’s name is Salem. If there is one life lesson that I learned from Salem that is to trust my instincts when someone is offering to love. You see, we found Salem in the woods, and it took him some time before he would come near anyone in the house., except for my husband, who has nothing but love to give. His ability to trust my husband so quickly validated for me what a truly caring human being he is.
My cat’s name is Desmond. If there is one life lesson that I have learned from Desmond, it would be that cats can grieve too. He was a bit aloof until his brother died, and then he became very clingy, needing someone’s lap nearly all the time.
My cat’s name is Scarlett. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Scarlett, it would be that I need to be more like a cat…
My cats name is Lizzy and one thing I’ve learned from Lizzy is that sometimes you just have to let the rats in your life go.
My cat’s name is Cooper. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Cooper it would be that I need to make sure the food bowl is always full 🙂
My cat’s name is Cleo.If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Cleo it would be that I need to value every day. She has been my sanity in dark time and I can’t imagine ever being without her.
My cats’ names are Gordon & Mama Cat. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Gordon and Mama Cat it would be that I need to live in the moment.
My cat’s name is Sunny. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Sunny it would be that I need to purr more hiss less.
*scribble scribble scribble* Never mind that, here’s the real scoop….
My name is Sunny DElightful Banana. I am 17 years old as of yesterday,.
If there’s one life lesson that I have taught my human Kat, it would be that she needs to embrace Love when love purrs at her. To take time to snuggle the Now especially when I need attention. And to never look away from an orphan. After all, she did not look away from me when I was 5 days old, and that turned out great.
although purring more and hissing less is good too….
My cats name is Camille. If there is one life’s lesson I’ve learned from Camille it is as Paul Gallico’s Jennie advised Camille upon reading her this book”When in doubt wash” It is like mediation and gives you paws for thought.
My cats name is BooBoo. If there’s one life lesson I learned from Boo Boo is that you need to make the most out of all nine lives. No room for regrets!
My cat’s name is Baby Girl, If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Baby Girl, it would be that I need to just let her be her and not bug her if she wants to be left alone. It has taught me that she had her own space and not to invade it, if she doesn’t want to be bothered and I have learned to respect that and love on her when she lets me, lol she has been such a blessing, I was alone for over 24 years in Calif, no family, my mother died last year, very lonely and when I cried out to Jesus he brought her almost immediately, She is a half-feral stray that ADOPTED me and she has taken ALL of the loneliness away and has been such a blessing in my life and has allowed me to love her and she to love me, I love her so much !
My cat’s name is Elbee. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Elbee it would be that I need to stretch more.
My cat’s name is Taps [male, grey-tiger, europ. short-hair]. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from my Taps [from a animal shelter, love of first eye contact ;-)]. it would be that I need to pay attention to the essential. <3 Greetings from Germany
My cat’s name is Ruckus. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Ruckus it would be that I should love and forgive without hesitation, without thoughts of self gratification.
My cat’s name is Minnie (she’s 23) If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Minnie it would be that I need to communicate like sign language with her. She seems to have ESP and reads my mind.
My cat’s name is Mon Gros. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Mon Gros it would be that even if you are a grumpy piece of crap, people will still love you….
My cat’s name is Lottie. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Lottie it would be to always take time to lay in the sun.
My cat’s name is Fitz. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Fitz it would be that sometimes, the best thing I can do for myself when stressed, is snuggle up, relax, and love/be loved by my precious kitty.
My cat’s name is Milo. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Milo it would be that I need to be more relaxed and calm about life’s events.
My cats’ names are Lilly & Bernie. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Lilly & Bernie it would be that I need to thint lIke a cat.
My cat’s name is Wicca. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Wicca it would be that I need to take more time to enjoy the small things in my life.
My cats name is Abbey, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Abbey and all my furrbabies combined it’s that I need to try to save and help as many furrkids as possible, mine and others.
My cat’s name is Quimby. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Quimby it would be that I need to…eat to my heart’s content and enjoy food because it is what nourishes and empowers me, and gives me strength to get through the day. I spent many years suffering from an eating disorder and he was able to show me how to appreciate each meal.
My cat’s name is Sherlock. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Sherlock it would be that I need to nap more. Preferably with a fleece blanket and snuggled next to him.
My cats name is Purrsephone. If there is one life lesson that I learned from Purrsephone it would be that not everyone is going to love you, like you love them, all the time and that’s ok! I will always be her mommy no matter how many times she bites my ankles! 😚😽
My cat’a name is Snickers. If there’s one life lesson I have learned from Snickers it would be trust your first impression of people. If it’s not good, don’t go near them!
My cat’s name is Alley. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Alley it would be that I need to…be yourself.
My cat’s name is Mercedes. At least one life lession he has taught me is to trust my gut and be consistently caring for the ones I love.
My cat’s name is Asia. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Asia it would be that I need to take more naps, in the warmest sunspot I can find, on my back…
My cat’s name is Harley,If there’s 1 life lesson I could learn from him and that it 2 occasionally take a step back rethink think then move 4ward, cat’s have clever souls TS bout time we started listening 2 them, they could save us from r selves
My cats name is Freyja. What I have learned from Freyja is to calm down. When life gets to stressful, stop and groom yourself. You calm down and your yoga abilities make all the girls jealous.
My cat’s name is Torsten Reddington Flufferbutt. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Torsten, it would be that I need to, learn to accept affection from my lady friends. Life is good when you have someone to share it with.
My kitty’s name is Brandy. If there’s one lesson I learned in life, it’s to be grumpy sometimes. She is 19 years old, and still going strong because she is grumpy sometimes.
My cat’s name is Cleo and if there is one life lesson I’ve learned from Cleo it”s how to have a great stretch when you first wake up.
My cat’s name is Flower. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Flower it would be that I need to be mindfully grateful of everyday blessings.
My cat’s name is “Valentine.” If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Valentine it would be that cats and humans can communicate with each other with just our eyes.
My cat’s name is Otis. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Otis it would be that I need to… Live each day with joy. (Otis has a neurological disorder and as a result has a head tilt. He is a very happy guy who does everything our other cats do, he just does it with a little different)
My cat Princess Pandora taught me how to be forgiving.
My cat’s name is Cuddles. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Cuddles it would be that I need to… There is inner peace to be had by relaxing and just spending time with him.
My cat’s name is Maxine. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Maxine it would be that I need to not let my body limit me. She has taught me this by being my “Tailless Wonder” that has an uncanny grace and balance for a cat. Tail or no tail, her determination to be happy in her body without accepting its limitations has inspired me to move forward regardless of my body having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
My cat’s name is Kareem. If there’s one life lesson that I learned from Kareem it would be that I need to sleep more and spend more time on frivolous adventures.
My cat’s name is Cattis. If there’s one life lesson that I’ve learned from Cattis it would be the importance of trust. Even though someone injured him badly before I rescued him, he always trusted me to love and take care of him. Just because one person hurts you doesn’t mean everyone will.
My cat’s name is Allspice. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from Spici, it’s that everyone gives and accepts love in their own unique way.