I recently had a profound experience that I thought might be fun to share. Admittedly from the outset I should throw the disclaimer that I'm currently in a manic state (but well under control).
The very night after the exchange above on FaceBook (July 4th), I was house sitting for friends and upon the time to turn in to a strange bed in a strange house I realized that I was still wearing my swim trunks and had forgotten to bring undershorts. Knowing how poorly I sleep in my swimsuit I was facing a dilemma - sleep in my swimsuit or sleep without it ... either was an uncomfortable proposition. Finally a light bulb went off and I realized that I had a pair of undershorts inside my gym bag in the trunk of my car, So I went outside to get them. As I left the house, gladly greeted by a very light sprinkling of rain, I heard even better the explosions going off, and saw some of their beautiful sources. After acquiring my underwear I decided to go for a little stroll around the neighborhood in my bare feet, since I enjoy this kind of rain so much, and was drawn by the fireworks. At one point I found a great place to sit, on a curb, by someone's garbage cans out for the morning pick-up. As I sat alone in the darkness enjoying it all, a cat came out from under a nearby car, and it approached me as I noticed it and made contact. It was a young cat, probably a boy, and very soft and affectionate (although a little timid) with beautiful tabby colorations. It mostly wanted to be petted and comforted as it licked the hello out of my knee. I was glad to oblige, and realized the licking I was getting from a cat's perspective. Very shortly a larger cat emerged, older, and female. It was not as forward in its affections, but still came over to me and sought interaction. Its fur was a simple grey and black tabby coat and much more coarse than the younger cat, much like its personality. It did not trust me as much, and she even bit me a few times as I tried to pet and comfort her. It felt like a holy communion with these two creatures as they both tried to find a port in a storm. I had said earlier that day much about being willing and able to be anyone's port in a storm, and here was the universe giving me that opportunity. Such a sweet and beautiful moment - words cannot express. These cats seemed wild. I know they were disturbed. I realize these cats may have been someone's pets, in an extremely agitated state due to the fireworks. But whatever their state, it meant a lot to me that they would both seek me out to help them cope and feel better about their currently crazy world. As one did, the other was able to follow - lead by a relative child (maybe even her own).
When you truly have empathy for another consciousness the dividing line between your self and their self vanishes... and it can be a glorious experience - Ohbe Ron-Ken Obi.
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