What do cats know about happiness? Everything. My #1 teacher on the subject is Merlin who despite advanced age and kidney disease, sits in the lap of happiness. On the weekend I followed him happily doing his favorite thing exploring our property. Please note: He is always supervised and the property is large, safe and private. I captured a series of images that made me very happy until I realized the time left to photograph is him is finite. I’ll let him finish writing.
Merlin: Yes, it’s true. My days are numbered as are the number of photographs to be taken. The question is: What has more value? 1) Spending time capturing images frozen in time or 2) Spending time capturing memories in the moment?
1) You are separated from the subject by an artificial filter physically and metaphorically but it creates tangible results. 2) You connect directly with your subject with all your senses without technical or intellectual distractions. There is nothing more power than being fully present. The downside is there is nothing tangible to hold in your hands except a memory and memories fade.
Layla: Having to choose between these two is not making me happy. Is there is a third choice?
Merlin: The choice is not the cause your unhappiness. It’s your attachment to the outcome. You want to have your cake and it eat too. You want to enjoy our dwindling time together and document it for posterity but at what cost?
Layla: Feeling guilty about taking to many photos and not spending enough time with you one on one?
Merlin: Guilt is a useless emotion and has no value.
Layla: By letting go of guilt, I would take the middle path. Less photos but more profound memories.
Merlin: That is the third choice. Middle way. Best way. Happy way.
Merlin, so wise and beautiful. When I first read the post, I was crying so hard I couldn’t type.
Reading it now I still cry, but the middle road sounds best.
The pictures will comfort in the future, but now being with him, watching him and cuddling, those memories won’t fade. You’ll have memories forever.Take Care.
Lots of PURRS,
Connie
Oh great you two. You just made me cry. Love and Purrs
Carolyn
Cherry City Kitties recently posted…Please go to give love and purrs.
Merlin, Yous is so size! When hissy old Licorice was getting. Ready to leave us, he would pose for Mommy. He had never done that before! But he knew Mommy would want especial pictures of him doing his favorite things. Yes, we knew he was almost ready to goes and it was only the last 2 days we knew it was immanent, but Wes all cherishes those pictures!
Yous is a wonderful cat!
Me sends kisses
To Yous, your mates ans especially your Mommy
Nellie
Penelope recently posted…Sweet
There is indeed time for both.When you are busy exploring and enjoying your walk then there is time for pictures because you need your space too but the connection can still be made with the caress of a voice that gives reassurance and comfort. Life is truly about balance for there can be no happiness without sadness because constant happiness becomes meaningless. Without the reminder of loss we forget how important life truly is. Moment by moment,breath by breath it will all find balance.
We love you Merlin and we celebrate each glorious moment and breath with you and Layla. Purrs of balance and peace to you both…luv Skeeter and Izzy >^..^<
Merlin
Laila will not regret having the moments frozen digitally nor will she let go of having bonded moments with you. My Mom is always taking pictures of us, and me especially. Because well you never know. It’s just what we kitties have to put up with from time to time.
Be well Merlin
purrs
>^,,^<
✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.
Abby recently posted…Mancat Monday With Ping
Merlin is a very wise cat. We like the best way too!
Sometimes Scott says I should grab the camera and I reply that I’m busy having fun with the cats. I understand the dilemma.
Katnip Lounge recently posted…Meowing Meezer Monday!
Merlin, you are a wise cat! It’s a tough situation
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
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Have a great week!
Ah yes, finding the happy medium,sometimes it’s difficult! Thank you Merlin, for the reminder to live in the now! Blessings.
Merlin, you are so wise and so right! I choose middle way, too. Sometimes I take too much photos and realize I annoy my boys. I then put down the camera and give full attention.
Happy Monday, Merlin!
Tamago recently posted…Award & Sleepy Goro
You are so wise, Merlin! Guilt is certainly a useless emotion, which cats do not have! In humans, guilt followed by repentance can sometimes reap a reward xx
CATachresis recently posted…Me and my shadow!
Your beautiful post points out our constant difficult choice.
“Be here now” or the joy of having memory and heart stirred in the future by the photographs we take today. Yes, I want both.
maggie recently posted…Toni and Chino
That is precisely why we love you so much Merlin!
Brian recently posted…Mancat Monday: Gotta Run
That’s why we have that frustrated face sometimes when humans take pictures
Thanks Merlin!
Purrs
Texas, a cat in New York recently posted…Mondays are for Memories: Playing with Fruits – Part 2
Merlin, you’re so right. Cats find joy and the good in so many things. If people took the time to learn from cats, this world would be a much happier place.
The Musings Of A Crazy Cat Lady recently posted…Meet Yolanda – Our Adoptable Cat Of The Week
Merlin is so very, very wise….and right! Being in the moment becomes more important as the moments become fewer….
Love and Hugs, Pam and Sam
Merlin is a wise Buddha. Such beautiful thoughts on this Monday with Merlin. Such poignant and sad but also happy thoughts.
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A tear rolled down my cheek. Happiness.
Mom of KT Gang
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