Teachers of the Rhythmic Dance
by Darryl Pokea / Edge Magazine
As we touch them, they touch us in our most basic rhythms deep within. They remind us of our inner need for playfulness, rest, relaxation and restoration. They are uncluttered by chattering thoughts and are attuned to the healing rhythms of the earth and those same earth rhythms within our bodies. They live in these healing spaces throughout their lives and bring us back to those spaces moment-to-moment as they dance with us and share our lives. With our pets' help, people can be rescued or reconnect through touch; the blind can be independent; our hearts and bodies can heal; and we can relax and go to sleep. Recent studies in the effects of cat purring suggest the frequency of their purrs strengthens the cat's own bone density and tolerance for pain. They expend much energy in their purring rhythms, which are between 25 and 50 cycles per second. There may be an amazing potential here, because some studies suggest that broken human bones and arthritic tissue may be healed by these same resonant frequencies. Having a cat purring on the lap may be more soothing than we realize.
