Last week I fulfilled a long-time dream – my daughter and I went to the Galapagos Islands. It was a spectacular trip spending 5 days on a boat with 15 other people. We hiked on lava fields with huge crevices and snorkeled with white tipped sharks (who were not hungry, we were assured), marine iguanas, schools of yellow-tailed fish and giant sea turtles.
We learned more about the survival skills of animals than I had ever imagined. Did you know that after marine iguanas eat they have to lay on a hot rock to produce enough heat in their stomachs to digest the food? We spontaneously came across sea turtles mating and a cormorant and a blowfish in a battle for survival. Finally the cormorant got tired and the blowfish deflated and swam away.
One experience stands out for me, though. It was so simple that I am sure that most people were not aware of its possible implication, but it was profound for me. On a hot, humid afternoon, after climbing over a landscape of rippled lava and naturally-carved holes we came upon a pool with one sea lion laying in the cool, shallow water. He was in total relaxation. Having no fear of humans, he let us get close and bear witness to his sensual experience in the water.
Stillness was reflected in every muscle of his sleek body and serene face. Then with the most minute amount of effort, he moved. Slowly turning his head to the side he lifted his nose two inches to the surface of the water to gently breathe in and then let his head rest on the bottom of the pool. A minute later he slowly lifted his head again to get a breath and then methodically let it rest down again. He continued this gentle rhythm – up for air, down to rest – up for air, down to rest – with relaxed precision. That image became my visual for relaxation and quiet replenishment. Since I am home, I ask myself several times a day if I am as relaxed as the sea lion.
We can learn so much from animals. What have you seen in your pets that makes you think differently?
I loved reading this post, thank you, and what a great opportunity and trip! And about learning from animals: I watch my two young cats, brothers. They are so playful and teach me that playtime during the day is really important :))
Love this! Can’t wait to see more pictures!