5 Lessons I Learned From Greece’s Street Cats About the Siga Siga Lifestyle

I’ve been dreaming about traveling to Greece since I was a young girl. The mythology, the architecture, the mouthwatering food - all of it painted a picture of a magical place I longed to visit.

I finally set foot on those sun-kissed lands in 2024 and I discovered something unexpected: 3 million furry philosophers ready to teach me a thing or two about life.

My Unexpected Guides: Greece’s Street Cats

On our first day in Santorini, my husband and I found ourselves in a charming outdoor restaurant in the village of Megalochori. As we enjoyed our first taste of authentic Greek chicken gyros, we spotted an orange striped cat with a fluffy tail sauntering across the adjacent restaurant’s roof. It gracefully walked to the edge and surveyed its kingdom before settling down for a royal nap.

This moment marked my first of many encounters with Greece’s street cats. They weren’t just cute photo ops (although believe me, I filled my camera roll!) They became unexpected guides, helping me discover the meaning of the siga siga lifestyle.

What is the Siga Siga Lifestyle?

The siga siga lifestyle is the art of slow living. Siga siga is a Greek phrase that literally means "slowly, slowly", but it's so much more than just moving at a snail's pace. It’s about taking the time to truly appreciate and enjoy life.

Now, let me introduce you to my feline teachers and the lessons they taught me:

1. Master the Art of Guilt-Free Pleasure

One morning in Mykonos, as we enjoyed a traditional Greek breakfast on our hotel’s patio, a sleek, brown-striped cat leapt onto the ledge. It didn’t want anything from us; it simply basked in the sunlight and our quiet presence.

This serene moment made me think about how we, especially women, often deny ourselves such simple pleasures. Society’s expectations often tie us to the role of caretakers, leaving little room for personal indulgence. It’s no wonder guilt often accompanies our rare moments of quiet!

This cat’s unapologetic enjoyment of the moment served as a reminder to me that I’m allowed to slow down and embrace life’s simple pleasures, without reservation or remorse.

2. Leave Some Flexibility for Spontaneity

While walking along Santorini’s cobblestone streets, we encountered a curious kitten. Its eyes were wide with wonder as it sniffed my husband’s shoes and wrapped its body and tail around him. It followed us for a couple of minutes until eventually darting off, lured by some new adventure.

As someone who usually plans everything with military precision, this inspired me to start going with the flow more. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don't see coming.

The next time you find yourself over planning, why not try to leave a little room for spontaneity? You never know what you might discover!

3. Work Smarter, Not Harder

Our trip to Greece included a day exploring Delos, an island rich in ancient ruins and mythology. Among the crumbling architecture, we found an unexpected sight: cats! They were everywhere.

I imagined these cats as having the important job of guarding these sacred lands. But they still found some time to nap on the job! They’ve really got the work-life balance thing down. These cats had mastered the art of being productive while also taking care of themselves.

It's a reminder that if your self-care takes a backseat, then your work will eventually suffer. The key to working smarter, not harder, is to put your self-care first!

4. Walk Like You’ve Got All the Time in the World

In Greece, cats don't walk - they saunter. They stroll. They meander. Watching these cats take their sweet time exploring every nook and cranny of the streets was a masterclass in slowing down.

Back home, I'm usually walking like I’m in a rush, even if I have nothing to rush for. But in Greece, I learned that there are benefits to slowing down and smelling the roses (and the baklava!). It makes you feel more alive.

So, next time you're tempted to rush, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the journey.

5. Make Time for Connection

On our last day in Santorini, as we waited for our taxi (and I secretly plotted how to miss the ferry and stay forever), a majestic black cat sauntered into the hotel lobby like it owned the place. Without so much as a "may I?", it made itself comfortable on my lap and started purring.

This bold cat reminded me of something we often forget in our busy lives - the importance of connection. Whether it's snuggling with a loved one, catching up over the phone with a friend, or yes, even cuddling a strange cat in a foreign country, connecting with others is what makes life meaningful.

So here's your reminder to reach out and make a connection. (But maybe establish some rapport first before sitting on a stranger's lap? 😉)

Bringing the Siga Siga Lifestyle Home

As I boarded my flight home, I made a mental note to remember the joy of slowing down. Thanks to these adorable cats, I've learned the importance of taking things easy and appreciating the simple things in life more.

Have you ever found unexpected wisdom in your travels?