Have you ever considered joining a cat meditation group? Did you know one meets every Monday morning in Grand Junction? Here are five reasons why you should participate.

What exactly is this? Do cats get together and hold a meditation session? Most cats I know get at least 13 to 14 hours of sleep a day. Why do they need to meditate? Check this out, a 15-hour video providing anti-anxiety music for cats.

It seems I'm on the wrong track. In this case, the "Meowning Meditation Group" consists of people, and they gather Monday mornings to meditate. What's the spin?

This group meets at the "kitten room" at Roice-Hurst Humane Society Monday mornings from 7:15 to 7:45. What happens? According to Roice-Hurt Humane Society's Facebook page:

Using the cats wandering about as a metaphor for your wandering thoughts, Jerred Endsley, an experienced meditation practitioner and instructor, will lead you in a variety of mindfulness exercises and meditations aimed at increasing awareness, reducing stress, and fostering self-compassion. Each week will consist of a different experiential meditation exercise followed by a brief time for discussion and questions. All experience levels are welcome and participants do not have to attend every session to benefit.

What a perfect way to start your week! This sounds like a great idea. Here are my five reasons why you should attend:

  • Mental pain and anxiety are a background noise that can underlie much of what we do. Here’s a chance to see firsthand what’s causing it.
  • Meditation hones our innate ability to focus.
  • Mindfulness helps you give friends and family your full attention.
  • Evidence suggests stress causes lots of illnesses and makes other illnesses worse. Mindfulness decreases stress.
  • Take a break from mind chatter

Sounds like a winner to me. The next session is this Monday, February 11, from 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Thirty minutes seems like a reasonable investment. There's no cost to attend. Donations such as pet food and cleaning supplies are greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, though, we just hope you will attend! - Roice-Hurst Humane Society

Imagine the peace that comes from meditating with kittens. Roice-Hurst Humane Society is located at 362 28 Road in Grand Junction.

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