Sophrology, Mindfulness, and Cassie: My Journey from Skeptic to Practitioner in Training

Introduction: When a Quebec Psychologist and a Cat Transformed My Life

A few years ago, if someone had told me I would one day meditate with mantras, ASMR, and a cat as my spiritual guide, I would have laughed. I was a hardened skeptic. The Belgian psychologists I had consulted never talked about mindfulness, considering it a "new age" trend rather than therapy. Then I met a Quebec psychologist. She introduced me to meditation like uncovering a hidden treasure: gently, but unlocking mountains of emotional blockages.

Today, my practice is a unique blend of mindfulness, silent meditation, mantras, natural sounds (like Cassie’s purring, rain, or the ocean), and teachings from Hinduism and Buddhism—all with Cassie, my cat, as my companion. Here’s how I went from "this doesn’t work" to a daily practice supported by ongoing training.

1. My Journey: From Skeptic to Practitioner in Training

My Current Training

To build a solid foundation for my blog and sessions, I am currently in training for two certifications:

• Mindfulness Coach (in training) – After my initial skepticism, I decided to deepen my practice by working with a mindfulness coach. This experience was transformative. My coach taught me that meditation isn’t about performance or perfection, but about being present with whatever arises. Even on days when my mind was restless, my coach reminded me: "Congratulations, you just meditated. Observing that your mind wanders is already mindfulness in practice." This resonated deeply, especially when I recalled that even Arjuna had doubts before the battle of the Mahabharata. This journey inspired me to train as a mindfulness coach myself, to guide others as I was guided.

• Sophrology Technician (in training) – I am also currently training to become a certified Sophrology Technician.

These ongoing trainings allow me to offer content and guided meditations with confidence, blending tradition and modern techniques.

My Daily Practice

I meditate every day with soothing natural sounds:

• Cassie’s purring for a warm, reassuring atmosphere.

• The sound of water (rain, storms, ocean) for deep relaxation.

• Sophrology and mindfulness sessions to anchor my mind in the present moment.

I also publish three new articles a day on various themes:

• Hinduism and Buddhism: Reflections, mantras, and spiritual teachings.

• Sophrology and Mindfulness: Practical exercises, breathing techniques, and personal experiences.

• Animals and Meditation: How our four-legged companions can guide us toward serenity.

I also collaborate with Paul, who records audio versions of my articles to make them accessible to everyone. Together, we explore modern tools while staying rooted in authentic values and life experiences.

My Commitment

• Continuous learning: I take daily English courses with Learna AI to expand my reach.

• Diverse content: My articles and meditations are inspired by my life, training, and experiences with Cassie.

• Mantras and Faith: On my Mantra page, I share mantras when my faith is strong and I feel a deep connection with the divine.

2. My Spiritual and Natural Routine

Meditating with the Sounds of Nature

Every day, I practice with sounds that soothe me:

• Morning: 10 minutes of mindfulness with Cassie’s purring or the sound of rain, followed by a Hindu mantra to greet the rising sun.

• Midday: 5 minutes of sophrology with the sound of waves or 4-7-8 breathing, sometimes with Cassie on my lap.

• Evening: ASMR meditation with the sound of a storm or recitation of the Heart Sutra, under Cassie’s watchful gaze.

My favorite exercise: Lying down, I place one hand on my heart and the other on my belly. I breathe while listening to Cassie’s purring or the sound of water, imagining this serenity filling every part of my body, like a blessing from Lakshmi.

Cassie, My Furry Co-Therapist

Cassie doesn’t have a diploma, but she embodies:

• Patience: She can spend hours watching an insect. I learn to observe my emotions without reacting, like Buddha under the Bodhi tree.

• Letting go: She falls asleep anywhere, anytime—a lesson in detachment.

• Presence: Her simple touch or purring always brings me back to the present moment.

A magical moment: One evening, after a difficult day, I lay down on the floor, exhausted. Cassie curled up on my stomach and started purring. Without thinking, I synchronized my breathing with hers. Twenty minutes later, I was at peace. Since then, it’s become our ritual.

Discover now: 🎧 The "Cassie’s Purr" Meditation—A guided session where Cassie’s soothing purrs accompany you into deep relaxation, inspired by sophrology and mindfulness principles.

3. Resources for You

Meditations and Sophrology

Find my guided sessions and reflections on:

• Meditation & Sophrology: Exercises for all levels, inspired by my training and personal practice, with natural soundscapes (purring, water, sea, storms).

• Mantras: Hindu and Buddhist mantras to elevate the spirit.

4. The Site Gallery: Share Your Animals!

The Site Chat

I’m creating an interactive gallery on the site to share photos of your animals that inspire you in your spiritual practice. Here’s how to participate:

1. Send your photos in the Site Chat (link available on the homepage).

2. I’ll publish them in a dedicated gallery, with a gentle animation to highlight each companion.

3. Permission: I commit to only publishing photos for which I have your consent. For my part, I authorize the publication of my photos and those of Cassie on the site.

Why participate?

• Inspire others with the beauty and serenity of your animals.

• Create a community around meditation and four-legged companions.

• Make Cassie, Paul, and me happy by seeing this gallery grow!

5. Join Me on This Journey

I haven’t become a monk, but I live with greater awareness, like a lay yogi. I remain myself, with my doubts and sleepless nights, but now armed with sacred tools:

• Those from my Quebec psychologist.

• Those from my ongoing training as a mindfulness coach and sophrology technician.

• Those from Hindu and Buddhist scriptures.

• Those from nature’s sounds and Cassie, my four-legged goddess.

What about you? What was your turning point? A mantra? A meeting with a master? A natural sound that soothes you? An animal that guided you toward meditation? Share your story in the comments—I’ll read every word with kindness.

Thomas Creator of La Danse de Shiva et Bouddha Sophrology Technician (in training) | Mindfulness Coach (in training) | Passionate about Hinduism, Buddhism, and meditation with nature’s sounds and animals. "Because inner peace begins with a breath, a purr, the sound of water, and Shiva’s dance in our hearts."