On My Mind: The Face of FEAR

What FEAR looks like and how FEAR shows up is different for individuals, and even animals.  This was brought to my attention earlier this week when Minkey had to go to the vet.

Minkey has this radar so that even if Bob and I “think” about the cat carrier, she knows it.  Her antenna is up for the tiniest innuendo that could signal a trip to the vet is eminent.  She knows the closet the carrier is kept in and if the door to that closet is even opened, she heads for the hills… or, actually, under the bed.

Even before the closet door is opened, she can tell. Perhaps the energy Bob and I throw off on “vet day” is different as we anticipate what will feel like a cross between the running of the bulls and cornering a wild tiger.  The only thing we’re missing is the tranquilizer dart gun.

Oh, and puh-lease don’t tell me to leave the carrier out and that she will get used to it.  Not.  We did that for two years and she would either avoid the room with the carrier in it or run past it as quickly as she could.   And, yes, we put toys in it.  We tried to lure her in with the treats that she more than loves.  We have the carrier padded with some towels with our scent on it.  We tried all the hints that had been shared with us.  Nothing works.

So, on the day of THE event, the process goes something like this….  All of the doors to every room are closed and the race begins.  Minkey circles the living room, dining room and den as Bob and I try to head her off from two directions.  She hisses a couple of times and takes off up the stairs to my office in the loft.  And, unbeknownst to her…  that is exactly where we want her.  She’s cornered.  We throw a towel over her, she goes limp and we gently put her in the carrier.

I know this doesn’t sound pretty.  But, no one gets hurt, and she gets to the vet.

Most of the time, I look at Minkey and Weasel and think how lucky they are.  Really not a care in the world except considering when and where to take their next nap, what’s for dinner, and where that stuffed mouse is.  But, Minkey has FEAR and it’s all about that carrier.

Jerry Stocking, a NLP practitioner, coach and workshop facilitator says, “Most people (and, cats, I bet) live with the fear of FEAR.  Rather than experience fear, they anticipate fear.”  I believe that ‘s what Minkey does.  She anticipates FEAR – the carrier and the getting in it.  For when it’s all said and done and she is home, she may be pissed, but she’s fine.  She comes flying out the carrier and heads for under the bed.  When her dinner is put out, she’s back in the middle of things as if nothing happened.

And, Weasel?  I haven’t figured out her FEAR, or if she even has one.  All I know is that when Minkey came home from the vet and flew out the carrier the minute the door opened… Weasel walked into the carrier and proceeded to take her afternoon nap there.  Go figure.

What’s your FEAR look like?  Is it stored in the closet only appearing on special occasions or is it sitting in the middle of the room all of the time?