|
Life abounds with epiphanies. Epiphanies are life’s invitations to come out and play. Perhaps for a moment we receive the invitation - from a rainbow or a child or a whale. Like a child afraid of the dark, we may fearfully reject the invitation, and we don’t see what is in front of us.
While I was researching the play behaviour of wolves, I went on a tracking trip to Montana. North of Glacier National Park, I stopped to visit with a Native American elder. He listened attentively as I told him why I was there. He then spoke earnestly, “Most people don’t see wolves because they know only how to look with their eyes. Some are trained and can therefore look better than others. Some of these people say that they see wolves. But they don’t. You white men use science to improve your eyesight, as if better scopes will help you find wolves. But even with these machine eyes you cannot see.
It is not good vision alone that allows one to see a wolf.” Then he looked at me and thrust his hands straight out from the middle of his chest. “One must take a second look, and this is done with the heart. The real wolf is two looks away.”
With the ‘first look’ we perceive the world rationally, order it according to fixed values, and attempt to master and manage it systematically.
With the wisdom of a second look, we see the truth beyond appearances. The second look puts us in touch with the Greater Life within, the spark of divinity that dwells in all loving creatures. In this seeing the divine grace of life is experienced.
At Wolf Haven, a wolf sanctuary where I continued my research, a two-year-old wolf named Sybil often rested on the ground with her head on her crossed forepaws, watching me intently. Her deep amber eyes encompassed me without the least trace of aggression or confusion. From my seat on a nearby tree stump, I glanced at her every so often. After a time, she walked over, put her forepaws on my lap and rested her head on my shoulder. I leaned against her gently. In a few minutes she left as quietly as she had arrived.
Sybil sauntered back to her special spot among the six other wolves, nosed the ground and spiralled slowly downward. I stood up and began to move slowly about the enclosure. Almost immediately, Sybil trotted over. She jumped up and put her paws on my forearm which I held out in an arc in front of me. She mouthed my beard and I jostled her head with my free hand. Our faces were very close. Then we caught each other’s eye. Suddenly there was neither Sybil nor Fred, just light. For just a second, something powerful penetrated me and was gone. I had experienced myself and Sybil not as man and wolf, but as two creatures created by the same master’s hand.
Afterwards, the tears ran down my cheeks as I realised that Sybil had shared with me a deep communication. I wondered if she felt what I felt. If she had been human, I would call her or at least write her a letter. But how would I let her know that wolves and all creatures, including me, are part of nature.
My experience with Sybil that day made me realise that life is the epiphany. We are, each of us, born belonging. Our togetherness is the Creator’s all-embracing gift. Everything is a part of everything. My intention is stronger than ever to see all of nature’s creatures with the second look, and to recognise that spark of divinity within us all.
|
