Have you found a kindred spirit in nature?

Disclaimer – this is not a biology report.

I may sound like a madman when I speak of spirituality, as I no longer attempt to emulate the chorus around me. I cannot claim to comprehend the mysteries of life and death with such arrogance as to advise you, instead I would rather everyone witness this world with an open mind and heart. We complicate our lives with the society and civilizations we’ve brought into this world, much of it I am in truth grateful for. I love spending time with friends from around the world, playing exciting new games with them without actual risk posed to any of us, and the convenience of humanity working together to afford us all more opportunities. That said, there are times when I think longingly about the simple, often brutal, harmony of nature.

I don’t just admire wolves, I feel as though their nature calls to me. Collaborative and cooperative hunters with an established social order, defending one’s territory while culling the land of the weakest prey. I’ve never personally felt the desire to hunt or murder, I’d rather protect and safeguard my pack of friends and family, but I’m no vegetarian. I know where the meat comes from, and I’m comfortable enough with death to know it’s necessary, if painful. For the wolf it isn’t a game, sport, or hobby, sourcing food is a matter of survival. Nature made them the way they are, and I think we should respect and learn from that. We were given complex minds and an affinity for tools, maybe we’re right where we should be, or perhaps a cunning few have already put up cages around us when we weren’t looking.

Owls have always seemed majestic to me, poised and regel from their perch as they survey the world below with a facade of indifference. As unassuming as they may be at rest, and their ever inquisitive “who?” called into the darkness, they live to be lethal. Solitary, often silent – especially as they hunt/work, and surprising, I can’t help but be enamored by my kindred spirit. I like the peace and quiet that leads me to deep thought, even if what I find wasn’t what I was looking for. Patience and observation is important in life, learning and listening to the landscape changing around you, offering you an opportunity to plan before you act.

I won’t always make the right choices in life, but I’d rather not rush into my mistakes or forget the lessons they could teach me. Every hunt doesn’t end with a meal. Every passion project might not be a success. I’m unable achieve all of my goals on my own, but I desire to be true to myself and support those I love. I hope and trust they’ll have the strength to shoulder my burden when I falter. We humans are a different sort of animal, but far from the only one worth learning from.

If you aspire to learn from our wondrously diverse world, I’d be glad to hear your thoughts and feelings. What kindred spirits call to you from the wild?