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WHAT THE ELEPHANTS CAN TEACH US
The elephant is the largest living land mammal and is known as a symbol of ancient power, strength, and royalty. There are two types still in existence—the Indian and the African. In a National Geographic essay entitled "Human Females Could (Should?) Be More Like Elephant Females," the author Katarzyna Nowak explains how female elephants gain invaluable knowledge from experienced, older matriarchs. They are socially complex and intelligent creatures who inherit from their mothers all the knowledge of migration routes and feeding sites that a herd needs to survive. Nowak also asks what unique skills human females hold for the future of our species and ecosystems.
One exceptional feature of human females is they live long after menopause. Thus, like elephants, women pass on knowledge and help care for the next generation. Humans, too, are habituated to female social bonding, teaching, and communal rearing.
We women have a great deal of wisdom to share with younger females, such as:
Leading family groups to resources such as food and water. - Knowledge and accomplishment of migration—and how to do so in a safe way.
- Teaching children communication skills, storytelling, how to sing songs, and how to engage in important rituals.
- Guidance in socialization and how to relate to others.
- Teaching children cleanliness and hygiene.
- Teaching children how to find food, process medicine, and provide safety.
Like female elephants, modern women have great mobility. Technology (such as cell phones, television, and the internet) adds to their ability to network with and teach others in an influential way. The present ecological crises require women to employ their wisdom and knowledge to make this earth once again a welcoming, beautiful, and natural habitat.
Relevant to the above is the photo of the male riding an elephant—indeed males are not excluded from this (they are among the children that are taught) and are just as important as females in sharing the wisdom and knowledge they have accrued.
One way I have participated in this sharing is through writing blogs and books. I have no doubt that many readers of these blogs have their own ways of passing on their wisdom. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome!!
