5 things I learned about living well from todays African safari animals at Londolozi Game Reserve: 1. Cuddle a lot. When we came within 10 feet of a pride of 13 lions, they were all lying on the ground, with their paws wrapped around each other, snuggling. When one would roll over, another would embrace her. Everyone belonged, and there was no lion who seemed to feel not enough to get cuddled. We should growl less; cuddle more. 2. Dont be afraid to set boundaries. When the giraffe was eating the leaves of a tree, three birds were riding on her neck and seemed to be eating something off her. She didnt seem to mind for a while, but by the time there were six birds pecking at her, shed had enough- and she let the birds know. She wasnt mean about it, but she was firm. When the birds failed to respect her boundaries, she restated herself more forcefully. By the third time, the birds left her in peace. 3. Dont worry about whos watching. When the rhino was standing by a very picturesque watering hole, looking beautifully alien, not only in real form, but in the perfect reflection in the water, the rhino didnt seem to be bothered by being watched. He just kept on being his ordinary rhino-ness. He wasnt self-conscious and making himself small. He wasnt showing off. He was just being himself while we appreciated him. 4. Be grateful, but dont be afraid to uplevel. The leopard had the best seat in the house, perched atop a grassy knoll with a view of the surrounding bush. But at one point, the leopard stood up oh so gracefully, as if ready to leave, only she didnt leave. She just moved about six inches to the left and settled back onto her sweet spot. In other words, you dont want to always focus on how things could be better. Gratitude is essential. But theres nothing wrong with asking yourself how you might experience even more pleasure. 5. Be still. Almost every animal we witnessed was in a state of rest. The hippos were lounging in the lake. The crocodile was basking in the sun. The rhino was standing there looking scenic, while the leopard chilled out in her regal way in her sweet spot. The lions just snuggled. The wart hogs were hanging out. Only the elephants and the giraffes were on the move, probably because they were hungry. Sure, when its time to hunt for dinner or get out of the way of a predator, its important to get going. But the rest of the time (which is at least 90% of the time for these African animals), why not just be still and enjoy the serenity, the company, the scenery, and the inner peace of knowing youre enough without always feeling the need to busy yourself with more? Animals have so much to teach us about how to live well. Im sure Ill learn even more on tomorrows sunrise game drive...
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 19:37:26 +0000