Of an Elephant's Foot

Of an elephant's foot: 

of all the many fascinating aspects of an elephant, and there are so many, it's their feet that draws my curiosity right now. Physically, it's the trunk that seems to garner the most attention, displaying such dexterity and grace making it an incredible instrument to witness, holding multiple functions, always in motion, exploring the world through scent and delicate touch. An elephant's trunk can uproot a tree and yet just as easily pluck a berry gently from a vine without a ripple of disturbance. Of course an elephant's ears lend charm to their appearance, an important appendage too, with the vital function of cooling the body of excess heat as the animal roams great distances for its food. 

emotionally, an elephant has great depths and sensitivity, bonding to herd, raising their young within a nurturing community that shares within the task. This is an animal with self-awareness, showing compassion and an ability to grieve the loss of love. Their memory is legendary, almost as a myth, and yet proves to be equal to the stories. These are intelligent, caring animals, worthy of not just our fascination but our protection and admiration as well. There is a kinship here between us, emotionally shared, and we would be best served to offer them the respect that they deserve, an equal status as a species. Of course this applies to all animals and insects in my opinion. 

but that's another morning's worth of writing.

here, it's really about an elephant's foot. 

of an elephant, such great mass, largest mammal on land by far, weighing upwards of several tones, and yet their feet are delicate and sensitive to the degree of sensing the vibration of rain from several miles away. An elephant can tread lightly through grass and forest, causing hardly a disturbance, even with such weight pressing hard against the ground. These are light footed animals, possessing an ability to hear the language of the land told through its vibrations, An elephant's foot is an instrument of grace and precision, sensitive to the degree of hearing the earth speak before translation of sound. 

it's a primordial language. 

and that's our great lesson, an elephant's foot, supporting so much mass and yet possessing a delicate nature and sensitivity that enables such deep and sure listening. We are not removed from this primordial conversation, it's our language too, shared by every species, spoken through vibration. It's the language of earth and soul, and we are fluent by our very nature. 

of an elephant's foot...

a reminder of this deeper conversation. 

~

Peace, Eric .