I heard some scratching coming from the other room and realized my cat was playing in an empty box which isn’t unusual. She loves playing and sometimes napping in them and I tend to have them around often now that I’ve been rearranging my space.  Minutes later, her meow sounded a bit stressed and I realized from her frenzied scratching that she was a bit panicked. When I approached, she crouched in a corner looking up at me with a puzzled look as to why this box wasn’t as much fun as all the others. I reassured her everything was all right while slowly lowering the box on its side. She walked out and went about her business and in typical cat fashion, she acted as if it was all planned. In looking for what caused this drama, I saw that it wouldn’t tip to its side because of the angle of a chair leg and the direction she was facing when trying to get out. A pile of clothes on the chair also made it an odd angle for her to jump out. I know she’s a pretty smart cat and wondered why she didn’t try stretching out or leaning against another side of the box as any other way would’ve been an easy exit. I concluded that she must have become so focused and intent on getting out the other way that probably never occurred to her. In a flash, I connected about a bazillion dots and the parallels to my life. Uh oh.

To say that I was slammed in the forehead with the cosmic 2x4 is an understatement. She was the perfect (or should I say purrfect – misspelling intended) mirror for me. I work for what’s called a big box retail store and I have been continually scratching and clawing to escape the big box life to find more meaningful work that better supports me and isn’t so physically demanding. Gotta love how literally and how simply the universe calls forth the obvious – when we’re ready, of course. Instead of turning around and putting my focus on creating something more to my liking, I’ve been focusing on fighting and scratching my way out of a situation while panicking that this is the best it gets. Not a pretty visual and certainly not a belief I want to hold any longer.

So I surrendered to the idea that the only boxes that contain me are of my own making and it’s up to me to open them and walk away at any time. While any box can be a fun place to play and hide, in my case it also served as a trap and source of frustration, panic and anxiety. I started seeing other situations where I was boxing myself in and limiting my options so I asked myself in what other corners am I hiding, waiting for someone to point out the obvious and why am I waiting and just who am I waiting for? As the day progressed, the frustration and panic of where I am in my life began to recede and I found a bit of peace instead. The energetic shift since this realization has been pretty profound and I now I’m using that box to store ideas and beliefs that no longer serve me. I guess I’m rearranging more than my physical space these days and that is a very good thing in my world.

Until next time, remember to breathe deeply and often, as balance is key in navigating the chaotic times we’re in, and relax!  Sometimes a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee.