I publish my non-travel writing over on Medium. So this is a cross-post so my travel blog readers know where to go. One day I’ll have the time to combine the two.
I wrote this latest essay 5 Things I’ve Learnt From Elephants, and it begins like this…
If you know me, you know that I have a small elephant problem. And it’s been a whirlwind month since I’ve been home from my last elephant adventure: Re-entry paralysis, software pre-release insanity (IYKYK), a legitimate offer for an early retirement, the election that may or may not literally alter the course of history…I don’t need to go on.
But this question has been churning around in the back of my brain since I came home: What can we learn from the herd?
I wrote an essay a few years back about my soul-dog, Gus, called “On messing up the bed and other things I’ve learnt from my dog”. It’s no secret that I’m a firm believer that we can learn a lot from the natural world by stopping, listening, watching, and just breathing it all in. So it’s about time for the elephant version.
Comparatively, I’ve spent a lot of time in Africa over the past few years, and a considerable amount of that has been in the presence of elephants. I feel ridiculously grateful for these opportunities, even as I leave I don’t know if or when I’ll go back. I’ll leave the science-y stuff to the professionals and write from my gut here.
What I’ve learnt from the herd
Strength is also about what you protect.
Elephants are possibly the most powerful animals on Earth, but so much of their energy is spent to protect the little ones, to support injured herd members, and in maintaining family bonds. They form a fortress around the babies when threats appear. They nurture their littles in community so they are safe as they grow strong. They use force when necessary, but emanate strength to protect those they love.*