Play

Unlike humans, animals don’t plan their day. They eat when they’re hungry and sleep when they’re tired. And I suspect they spend the rest of their time enjoying themselves.

A while back, I came upon some otters playing in a stream. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they nudged and poked and grunted at each other.

Pushing each other off logs was met with raucous otter laughter. The ensuing chase game was highly entertaining to watch.

These otters knew how to enjoy themselves, and they played with abandon. I envied their free-spirited ways. I have a suspicion that play is our true nature, too.

Perhaps something to explore...inspired by playful otters.

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Bravery

I spotted this beautiful Steller’s Jay taking a break from his relentless hunt for food. 

As I watched him, I had a thought. Just being alive requires so much strength and courage and determination. An Earthly embodiment is not for the faint of heart, no matter the species.

When I look back over my life so far, I realize it has been a rich adventure, filled with blessings, joy, challenges, and lessons. 

And in my heart of hearts, I know I signed up for this adventure. Not to avoid the uncomfortable, but to have the courage to deeply experience it all. And to remember to ask for help from the seen and unseen.

Something to ponder…inspired by a lovely bird.

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Waiting

It seems as though our world is speeding up. Faster internet, next-day delivery, immediate access to information and services. Having to wait is viewed as a negative.

I’ve noticed there’s a lot of waiting in the natural world. A while back, I watched this Northern Harrier perched on a fence for a long while. She scanned her surroundings, waiting for the slightest movement signaling breakfast. Her very survival was dependent upon her ability to wait for her prey to show itself.

Animals and plants wait for the right timing for all that they do. Mating, birth, hibernation, blooming…there’s no rush in the natural world. 

Trees don’t strive to drop their leaves faster than they did the previous fall, and flowers don’t hurry to bloom sooner than they did last spring. They wait for Earth’s perfect timing.

Maybe waiting is a natural part of life. More time for contemplation, more opportunities for thoughtful and guided decisions.

Something to ponder…inspired by a beautiful harrier.

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)