These two cats, Zahra and Folla, bring so much joy and love into our home. They’re both cats, both adopted, yet their view of life is vastly different.

Zahra is frightful. Always on high alert. Fears strangers. She is startled and twitches at the slightest sound. She’s lived with us for over a year now and has come to lower her guard knowing she can feel safe in our home. Yet, even in our presence she is sometimes frightful, unconsciously feeling threatened.

Folla is friendly. She feels relaxed and at ease. She greets visitors, likes to play and to be patted. She’s not alarmed by loud noises and sudden sounds. She’s lived with us for over a year as well, has her own relationship with each of us and created a safe haven for herself in numerous areas of our home.

Cats, like humans, have their own personalities, demeanor, and views on life. Their beliefs color the way they approach life, and their sense of safety in the universe.

Einstein alluded to this in saying “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile environment”.

So why is Zahra on high alert and fearful of her surroundings? And why is Folla friendly and easy going?

I think this reflection merits exploring the situations under which these cats came into the world.

Zahra was born to the streets of Cairo, Egypt. She lived on the bustling streets, navigating cars, motorbikes, pedestrians, and dogs, foraging for her food. She was all alone, on the streets. No mother cat and no litter mates. One day she was rescued by a resident of the area and put up for adoption. Since Zahra was born, her experience of the universe was that it was scary. Her basic needs for safety and food were nonexistent and unpredictable respectively.

Folla was born into a household as a pet, where her “parent” cats were domesticated. Folla was cared for by her mother, who nursed her, groomed her and taught her how to be “feline”. She also spent time with her litter mates, learning how to play and socialize. Folla also learnt to trust and befriend the human beings she lived with who cared for her. Since Folla was born, her experience of the universe was that it was friendly. Her basic needs for safety and food were met and predictable. She also had a secure attachment with her mother and lived in a safe environment until she was adopted.

This realization was astonishing. Folla’s earlier safe and secure relationship with this universe liberated her to play, explore and connect. Whilst Zahra’s early and frequent encounters with danger put her on high alert, constantly examining her environment, and reluctant to lean in.

Now imagine how this can be applied to human beings. Prior to birth, am embryo or fetus grows in their mother’s womb, where they are nourished, comforted and securely attached to their caregiver. Nine months later, they are born into this world. Their experience from there on plays a role in how they view the universe. For example, when they cry, are they soothed? When they are hungry, are they fed? When they are in pain or are scared, are they attended to? And many more.

Exploring this quote for human beings warrants its own post and it’ll be published shortly leading on from this one.

I would love to hear how this resonates with you.