pets and creativity

Have you ever wondered if Fido the dog or Princess the cat who you enjoy around the house can influence your creativity?  As a cat guardian for nearly  four years, (there are no such thing as a cat owner...if you have a cat, you understand), I was curious about the relationship between our cherished pets and the creativity process.

From my research on the subject, it turns out there are several ways that our fur babies can help us with our creativity:

1. Connectedness:  According to writer, Miriam Thiel-Alberts  when "you live with your animal, you connect to their specific heart energy."  This relationship allows both your pet and you to know exactly what each other is feeling without sharing a word.  This heart-based connection not only helps connects us to our pets, but also our environment.   "Animal energy is a bit like Reiki energy; it helps you clear your energy channel in order to experience the energy around you. And this flow of energy can help you with your creative projects."

2. Play:  My cat Athena reminds me of the joy of play.  When she gets the zoomies and races around my home or when I use the laser pointer and she tries her best to capture it, she reminds me of the importance of play in everyday life.   We need to be reminded of the importance of play because it helps us let our guard down and provides new ways to open ourselves to new ideas for our creative projects. 

​3. Meditate:  Some animals, like cats, can zone out and observe something for what seems like hours, whether in the house or watching something outdoors.  This action reminds me that I need to take time to connect to the spiritual energy within which is the source of my creativity.  Research has suggested that meditation has a positive impact on clearing blocks to our creativity.

4. Curiosity:  Animals are naturally curious.  They are interested in exploring objects inside a home and outside.  They use their senses....smell, taste, touch and listen when they are curious about something.  Their curiosity can sometimes get the best of them, but I admire their courage to check things out.  That's the same level of courage we need to have as we create...to ask questions, to touch, listen and yes sometimes taste.  To get underneath something to discover if it will work.  This discovery process is beneficial for a creative life. 

What other ways have your pets benefitted your creative practice?  Share in the comments below.

Source: 5 Ways your Animals can help Boost your Creativity by Miriam Thiel-Alberts   Journal, April 25, 2021.