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 couple of weeks ago I came upon 7 otters playing in a stream. Their enthusiasm and exuberance was contagious as I watched them nudge and poke and grunt 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.
Maybe it's time to rediscover joy...
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)