It’s
been hard to sleep. The political climate in this country is so explosive and
disturbing it’s difficult to feel grounded, to feel safe. Instead of the news,
which only serves to spike the fight-flight response, I seek other things. A
good book always helps but sometimes I just want to watch TV.
My
most recent discovery is Planet Earth II
on BBC. There is something so sublimely comforting in watching the beauty and
simplicity of animals in their natural habitat. I can’t describe the wonder of
this program; it often leaves me breathless. It explores deserts, jungles,
islands, oceans, mountains and the incredible animals that have adapted to and
inhabit them.
I
said simple, but often these adaptations are more complex than you would think possible. There is a fish that creates an intricate, perfectly symmetrical
mosaic in the sand at the ocean bottom to attract a mate. It looks incredibly
similar to a Tibetan mandala. There is a bird that clears the jungle floor not
only of all debris but of any color that might detract from his mighty feather
display when looking for a mate. The magnificent Snow Leopard found throughout
central Asia at high elevations including the Himalayas, spends most of its
life alone except when wanting to conceive. They are so solitary there is
actually no name for a group of Snow Leopards. These gorgeous animals are endangered.
The
life of the animals shown is not always pretty. It is often harsh and
dangerous. Yet, this program with its marvels manages to soothe, astonish and
inspire. If you can find it, watch it.
Happy Earth Day!
(Photo: SLF Pakistan/Snow Leopard Trust)
