How the cat (once again) taught us the biggest lesson of all.

I guess you could call it “complete surrender.” That moment of total submission, when you appreciate every nanosecond of a euphoric experience.  In the case of Monkeybutt (above) this photo pretty much captures the essence of his luxuriating in the garden, stretching his neck heavenward, breathing in every lavender bloom’s heady scent, and whatever else his sense of smell finds interesting. We are witnessing total joy.

I’m so jealous. While pure joy is achievable for humans too, most of us don’t take the time to snatch it out of the air. It can be easily precipitated by a chorus of music, an abstract painting, a simple line in a Robert Frost poem, or the sound of a baby giggling. And guess what. Experts tell us that taking in these moments can improve our mental and physical well-being.

“Lingering in positive experiences and immersing ourselves in happy thoughts can increase creativity, improve sleep and even strengthen our immune systems. Coping skills help diminish the effects of painful moments, while savoring helps amplify the beauty of joyful ones.”

Recent studies published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggest that “even short bursts of positive emotions and feelings in specific areas of the brain can help build neural pathways that may make you feel happier. This kind of joy can last for hours while decreasing negative emotions and depression.”

Not sure Monkeybutt understands any of that. Nor do I think he’s subject to a bout of depression anytime soon. But like most cats, I know he is way ahead of us. So I’m taking notice.