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- a baby Oscillot
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- locust
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- a bee doesn’t ask why
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- the hidden world of ants in a branch of wood
Animals don’t ask why. They pass no criticism. When I am in their presence, they exude an innocence that continues to amaze me. Compared to the complex human they are the simplist of creatures. As philosopher and psychoanalyst Erich Fromm says, “Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve.” Animals dwell in the present, forgetting the past and the future without the whirlwind of memory and expectation. They are the definition of calm without anxiety or distraction. They fear nothing. Everyday life is their life. They do not ask for a different reality or try to seek out a deeper existence for meaning. Animals are here, now, with a consistent attention to ordinary, daily survival. These animals live their simple lives in the paradise of the jungle. Perhaps simplicity is the paradise for the human mind. Which might be why most of us enjoy surrounding ourselves in the presence of animals.
Henry David Thoreau once said ”I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.”
So for today, I’d like reminisce the many moments of simplicity that I spent with such unusual creatures that crossed my path. The most unique experience was spent with a tiny spotted owl that was no bigger than a packet of saltine crackers. We found it on the ground in the rainforest and could not tell if it was hurt and unable to fly so we decided to adopt it for the day. Paras and I cradled it in the palm of our hands. He/she peacefully sat on the wood, dinner table in our dining hut. The owl spent many hours perched, content, observing us, turning its head, incredibly, 360 degrees. We stroked its tiny head and the owl seemed to close its eyes with pleasure. It almost seemed human. As if he or she just wanted to stop on in for a visit and say hello. We dangled a piece of chicken above its head and it was quickly gobbled. And then we introduced it to the family parrot ”Aurora” in hopes the parrot and owl would become friends and together, enjoy their personal luxury, bird hut. The next morning the owl was gone. Enjoyable moments spent with an unexpected friend.
As I attempt to compile my own conclusive thoughts and reflections about my recent, complex web of adventures in Peru and prepare my next steps on this journey of life, I feel that it is only appropriate to pause and remember the moments of calm with these animals. Holding the tiny owl in my hands… at such moments of calm, I find, to my surprise, that my life’s work is here in my hands, at this very moment. Moments of attention and stillness spent with the gift of being in another’s loving presence.
