A few days ago I spotted this towhee scratching the ground looking for food. He sensed my presence, and expressed his disapproval by screeching and hopping up on a tree branch. I was an intruder in his world, and he had no problem letting me know that. No pretense for him.
I suspect that animals can’t help but be themselves. I’ve never seen a robin pretend to be an eagle, or watched a goldfish assume the characteristics of a salmon. Pretending is just not in their nature.
In our desire to be accepted and loved, we humans do a lot of pretending. We contort ourselves in an attempt to become who we think others want us to be. So much so that we sometimes struggle to know who we truly are.
Animals know exactly who they are, and I admire that. Watching the towhee be himself gave me so much permission. Permission to relax and know that I can do the same…simply be myself just as I was designed to be.
I appreciate the freedom…
(New photos on website Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)