{"id":12868,"date":"2014-07-16T04:50:02","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T08:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/?p=12868"},"modified":"2014-07-15T19:59:40","modified_gmt":"2014-07-15T23:59:40","slug":"unplugging-from-stress-and-finding-inner-calm-and-peace-with-the-help-of-our-feline-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/unplugging-from-stress-and-finding-inner-calm-and-peace-with-the-help-of-our-feline-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"Unplugging From Stress and Finding Inner Calm and Peace With the Help of Our Feline Friends!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_12869\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/unplug.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12869\" class=\" wp-image-12869\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"unplug\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/unplug.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/unplug.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/unplug-300x236.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12869\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Guess what folks, try as we might, we can&#8217;t control the world, so why not just focus on the life you are blessed to have around you&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I don\u2019t do it nearly enough but this past weekend was a serious exercise in unplugging myself from all things technological. I found my brain being surrounded by a dizzying array of unhealthy karma and so boom, just like that, I walked away. I picked up an Anne Rice novel I had gotten for Christmas to read (The Wolf Gift) and I also situated myself with a red pen to start the editing process with the rough draft of my book.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Well, surprise, surprise but it felt wonderful. The circumstances in my life had not changed \u2013 but my mental outlook did and that is what this post is all about today. I invite all of you to take a break \u2013 just walk away from your computers, your TV\u2019s, your iPhones, and everything else that has you plugged in. Maybe it will only be a ten minute break or it maybe it will be for a couple of hours or even the rest of the day&#8230; only you know what works best for you&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>And I know it\u2019s only Wednesday \u2013 we tend to think of only allowing ourselves to relax on the weekend. But, with our 24\/7 type of life style now, those rules no longer apply, especially since a mental recharge is so important to our heart and health. So, whatever works for you \u2013 a nice warm bubble bath with a glass of wine, or a cherished CD that soothes the soul with music like Sade or Enya, or a great book to read \u2013 whether new or a beloved old favorite. Monday through Sunday \u2013 just try to take a few minutes for your personal self without the clutter of the outside world each and every day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12870\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Depositphotos_2345553_original.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12870\" class=\" wp-image-12870\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"Depositphotos_2345553_original\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Depositphotos_2345553_original.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Depositphotos_2345553_original.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Depositphotos_2345553_original-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12870\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">No&#8230; this is not me or my bathtub, but a girl can dream, right&#8230;.Calgon, take me away&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It was the best thing I did, but what was most wonderful was the renewed connection I felt with my cats when I did take the break. Especially with Kizmet who has become my new best friend \u2013 like me, \u00a0he is still missing Harley so much and he spent every minute snuggled by my side on the couch that is in my office as I read and relaxed. It was my favorite part of the weekend and I think it was his favorite part as well. Purrs, pets, snuggles, and the love of a cat does wonders to find that perfect zen spot in your heart and soul.<\/p>\n<p>I know I plan on taking more time like this for myself and I hope you all do the same. To help you find your zen, I share some peaceful pictures (please click to enlarge) of my kitties and wish you all a great day!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12877\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/7-12-14.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12877\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12877\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"7-12-14\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/7-12-14.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/7-12-14.jpg 460w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/7-12-14-300x168.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12877\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is Kizmet keeping my spot warm on the couch while using my book as a pillow! I got up for a brief moment and found him like that when I came back!<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12878\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Wave-KizPeanut.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12878\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12878\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"Wave-KizPeanut\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Wave-KizPeanut.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Wave-KizPeanut.jpg 460w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Wave-KizPeanut-300x174.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12878\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I think one of the reasons Kizmet likes being in my office so much is because it helps him feel closer to Harley. It was the last place he had seen her and a picture of her also graces the wall. Sharing this photo with Kizmet is sweet Peanut.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12889\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Zee-calm-sitting.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12889\" class=\"wp-image-12889 \" style=\"margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"Zee-calm-sitting\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Zee-calm-sitting.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Zee-calm-sitting.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Zee-calm-sitting-196x300.jpg 196w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Zee-calm-sitting-672x1024.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Handsome Zee&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12872\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/ZoeyWindow3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12872\" class=\" wp-image-12872\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"ZoeyWindow3\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/ZoeyWindow3.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/ZoeyWindow3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/ZoeyWindow3-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12872\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">I love this quote because it is so true. Sometimes there is nothing better than complete silence and solitude to truly hear what the world is saying. A cat&#8217;s version of us unplugging. This is Zoey who is in deep meditation mode.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12874\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mia-rolz.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12874\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12874\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"mia-rolz\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mia-rolz.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mia-rolz.jpg 460w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mia-rolz-283x300.jpg 283w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12874\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rolz and Mia share a quiet moment together \u00a0&#8211; the\u00a0love they have for one another is one of those great gifts to witness when you allow yourself the time to watch your cats interact.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12890\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Harley-relax.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12890\" class=\" wp-image-12890\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"Harley-relax\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Harley-relax.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Harley-relax.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Harley-relax-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12890\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even though it hurts to share this, I wanted to include my precious Harley, because if there was any cat that knew how to unplug from the clutter of everyday life, it was her! I miss you so much my darling girl&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12891\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/sleeping-cat.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12891\" class=\" wp-image-12891  \" style=\"margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"sleeping-cat\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/sleeping-cat.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/sleeping-cat.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/sleeping-cat-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12891\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mia and Peanut sharing a blissful sunbeam&#8230;<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_12876\" style=\"width: 470px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a class=\"Shutterset\" href=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/jazmine.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12876\" class=\" wp-image-12876\" style=\"margin: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"jazmine\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/jazmine.jpg\" width=\"460\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/jazmine.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/jazmine-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-12876\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our darling Jazmine sums it all up so perfectly &#8211; a content cat is the quickest route to bringing a smile to the heart!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz&#8230;Sweet dreams&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"hearts\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/hearts.png\" width=\"71\" height=\"30\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/petties.dogtime.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12883 aligncenter\" style=\"margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px; border: 3px solid #81aa55;\" alt=\"petties-2014-bottom\" src=\"http:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/petties-2014-bottom.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/petties-2014-bottom.jpg 400w, https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/petties-2014-bottom-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I don\u2019t do it nearly enough but this past weekend was a serious exercise in unplugging myself from all things technological. I found my brain being surrounded by a dizzying array of unhealthy karma and so boom, just like that, I walked away. I picked up an Anne Rice novel I had gotten for Christmas [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1100],"tags":[175,1265,857,856],"class_list":["post-12868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration-healing","category-wordless-wednesday","tag-cat-behavior","tag-cats","tag-human-feline-bond","tag-reduce-stress"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/sleeping-cat.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12868"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12899,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12868\/revisions\/12899"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeezoey.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}