Hunkering down with the Ferals

 Hunkering down with the Ferals, and what They are teaching me.

fe·ral

/ˈferəl,ˈfirəl/

adjective

1. (especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication.

   "a feral cat"
2. I provide some food and shelter for a family of feral kitties living in the cul-de-sac. 

This is what I'm observing, and learning:

1. They take turns being sentinals for eachother (protection, sharing).

2. They eat their food delicately, even when they are very hungry (non-dominance, non-greed).

3. They keep eachother warm (sharing heat).

4. They greet eachother by bumping into one another with purpose, shoulder-to-hip, in a side-swipe (recognition, hospitality).

5. The pack is a matriarchy, and she eats first (respect for the mother, for elders).

6. They are more comfortable when I hunker down at their level (equality, meeting them at their level).

7. They have sensitive hearing (vigilance, awareness of surroundings).

8. They like sleeping on leaves (naturally-leaning proclivities).

9. They scratch their nails on logs and sticks lying around their camp. (resourceful).

10. They like being warm and are grateful for help via blankets and warm cushions (we can make a difference).