Elephants are thought to have very developed emotional
intelligence, and they have long been revered and honored in many cultures
around the world. When I was in Thailand in September 2010, I visited the
elephant camp, where I even saw elephants creating artwork.
“The
fact is that elephant art has an immediate visual, aesthetic appeal. Paintings
that are executed by sentient beings will always elicit a response because I
believe that we recognise in them something fundamental. When I study a
painting by an elephant I see something awesome and primeval.”
Issaraporn Kaewthanasawad, Director of The Elephant Art
Gallery
If I were to choose an animal to inspire human behavior, perhaps elephant would be a logical choice. Elephant's medicine is said to be patience, gentleness, good communication, meaningful relationships, intelligence, strength, and compassion. Most would recognize these characteristics as those we all will benefit from having active. The benefits will be on all levels of our culture.
I read online, "Elephants show us that by supporting and loving one another, our own ability to thrive in the physical world is enhanced."
I cannot imagine what went so wrong recently in a zoo in China that a mother elephant attacked and abandoned her baby boy shortly after she gave birth to him. The behavior was so unusual that veterinarians thought her having stepped on him was an accident, but after they cared for him and returned him to her, he was attacked again. They had to remove him from her for his own safety.
The most remarkable part of this sad story is that he cried for five hours, because even though she was the one who had injured him, he was grieving not being with her.
Reading the story tonight was heart breaking.
I recalled the feel of my elephant hug, and remembered the joy I felt seeing the incredible elephant artwork. It is as though I am right back there in Chiang Mai!
As I remembered, I thought to send love! I began to hold that baby boy in my heart space. I imagined I could hear his breath and feel his body heat. I began to breathe with the sacred intention to have him know he is safe and cared for. As I relaxed more, I could feel my heart opening. Perhaps it is true that the heart only breaks in one direction—open.
It was as though the miles separating us do not exist. Time and distance melt away in my mind. I am being hugged by an elephant, and I am hugging an elephant. I offer gratitude for the privilege of loving this sentient being now….
