During a recent drive through the mountains, I spotted two large moose standing in a field. I pulled over to watch them for a moment. At first sight they appeared awkward with their long, skinny, knobby legs on top of which sits a body that seems disproportionately large. I reminded myself that their oddities are what equip them with the ability to survive. They have impressive skills that one would not assume they possess, such as running at a speed of up to 35 mph. That is with the additional weight of up to a 6-foot span of antlers. These moose appeared proud and majestic, and seemed to inadvertently command a certain level of respect.
Moose are peaceful until provoked. The fierceness they are capable of, does not sit shallowly below the surface waiting for any opportunity to unleash itself. Instead it only comes into action when necessary, and usually not without warning. Moose are confident enough to be alone or in a group. So long as those around them pose no threat, they don’t mind the company of other creatures
Watching these creatures, it dawned on me that maybe we could all learn something from them. They are perfect examples of what it means to live authentically. Perhaps we should each embrace our awkwardness and use it to our advantage rather than trying to keep it hidden. Maybe if we stopped underestimating each other we could instead be blown away by what each of us is capable of accomplishing. Is giving and receiving respect possible without demanding it? Standing proud of ourselves should be more natural. Life would be so much better if people were not so quick to react. If we paused just a moment before unleashing our fury, maybe the end result be more peaceful. Will we ever be as comfortable side-by-side as we are alone? What about in the company of others who differ from us?
These are questions I cannot answer for others, but I can try to live by for myself. I want to live more like a moose.
#change #introspection #selfimprovement #livingauthentically #livingpeacefully #diversity
