Animals make me smile when I do not have much to smile about. I reflect on their mannerisms and wish that I could adopt some of those characteristics.
People have written about what they learn from their cats and dogs. I love the ideas expressed about cats such as how they keep fastidious grooming habits, eat healthy fish diets, get plenty of rest, express their individuality, and embrace curiosity as long as it isn’t too scary. People have written about what we can learn from other animals. I have my own set of observations that make me envious of distinct animal characteristics.
- I would like to have the agility of the deer as they bound stiff legged across green meadows.
- I long for the innocence of elk babies as they look to their moms for clues to behavior. I enjoy the unique communication between moms and their offspring. I wish my mom were still here to guide me when needed.
- I envy the swishing tails of the marmots as they sachet across the tundra in search of tasty tidbits so they can get as fat as possible before they hibernate for the winter.
- I admire the energy and tenacity of the pikas as they gather their food caches to hide under the rocks for their long wintertime. They never stop scurrying about as they labor to harvest for their stockpiles. I worry about the impact climate change might have on their habits in the future.
- The intense eyes of the coyotes are staring into my soul as I observe them.
- I am enthralled by the boldness of the dusky grouse when they think a mate may be nearby.
- If I had a tail like a beaver I could smack it in the water whenever I wanted to give warning of something not right in my world. That act would scare the begeebers of those annoying me.
- I marvel at the feet of a snowshoe hare when it strides across the top of thick snow in the woods.
- Swimming would be more enjoyable if I had the buoyancy of the ducks in the water.
- I swoon at the thought of being a snake that can absorb the warmth of the sun.
- A beak like that of a hummingbird would allow me to taste sweet nectar while staying in motion.
- I sometimes yearn to be a turtle who could crawl inside my shell when the outside world overwhelms me.
Alas, I am only human and can only try to emulate from time to time the behaviors I admire in animals. Bless the beasts who give me these inspirations.
💜