All summer I’ve been reading Barry Lopez’s book, “Arctic Dreams.” It’s a lengthy read, and I’m not finished yet, but there’s a line that really stuck with me: watching animals always slows you down.
As someone who constantly seeks ways to slow down in life, this idea resonated with me. According to Lopez, animals have this inherent ability to make you slow down, and I found this to be true in my own experience, even though I hadn’t consciously thought about it before.
The night I read that line, I was at our family’s cabin. The next day, I realized that every time I spotted a wild animal—be it butterflies, bees, moths, hawks, salamanders, toads, rabbits, deer, various songbirds, crows, and even a distant bear—my mind naturally shifted to a slower and more focused state.
I wasn’t intentionally watching birds or tracking animals. Whether I was sitting on the porch, driving, or just walking around, seeing these animals calmed my mind, interrupting the mental noise and rushed thoughts with a serene focus.
Noticing this was a blessing, a gift of deeper awareness both from Lopez and the animals around me. It’s fascinating that just watching them can have such a profound effect.
Reflecting on it, I realized this has been happening throughout my life, quietly soothing and calming me. Perhaps this explains why I am so drawn to wild places and nature.
This idea fits beautifully with how I slow down. Watching a chipmunk out of the window, noticing how still it can be, sometimes just sitting with its tail wrapped around—it’s a shared moment of tranquility.
Today is Thanksgiving, and I am sharing Jill Elizabeth’s article with my favorite writing student. We’ve often talked about foxes and their unique place in life, so I know she’ll find it heartwarming too.
I’m grateful to Jill Elizabeth for writing this, and to Bodhipaksa for sharing it. Watching animals brings such a wonderful sense of slowing down and delight.