It’s with sadness that we share that Nimbus - one of the Barn’s beloved cats alongside Cirrus - has died.
Nimbus was a long-standing and cherished member of the Barn community whose presence was keenly felt during retreats over the last 15 years - he would accompany us to morning movement in the vegetable garden overlooking the valley, join us on meanders up to the polytunnels, stretch out in the grass behind the Barn, offer a cherished cuddle. The experience of a lap being ‘chosen’ by Nimbus was an oft-repeated highlight of a retreatant’s week.
Nimbus had been ill with heart-failure and his health had deteriorated over the last six months. On Friday, after a retreat-free day spent with the Barn team, Nimbus curled up under the honeysuckle at the front of the building and passed away. We gently brushed the dust from his fur and placed him in the earth beneath the prayer flags at the back of the Barn. We buried him with gifts of flowers and food, Luci the Barn gardener offered him a metta blessing, and Philip, a volunteer coordinator, a mantra. The next day, we planted 15 daffodil bulbs on his grave, one for every year of his life.
We would welcome any stories, memories, anecdotes or images of Nimbus you may have and wish to share with us. Please send them to [email protected]
Enjoy a selection of Nimbus pictures, plus his starring role in a special cat meditation.
