Nature is not always brutal
Many times we hear about the brutality of nature. We are well schooled in the concepts of "natural enemies." Perhaps we need to broaden our perspective - allow other possibilities.
The following video was taken from a presentation by Stuart Brown who founded the National Institute for Play. The pictures are from reknowned nature photographer Norbert Rosing taken on an expedition to Canada's Hudson Bay in 2006.
Animals at Play from Speaking of Faith on Vimeo.
It is interesting to run into the National Institute for Play, as one of my all time favorite books is Playing by Heart by O. Fred Donaldson. The video from Rosing's pictures epitomizes play in its most natural state.
Thanks to Bill for sharing this with me.
















That's because this is a Manitoban polar bear, I would note. They're all like that up here. ;-)
Lovely link and post, Rowan. Thanks.
June 29, 2009 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, maybe Manitoba polar bears have a different "culture." One that is "friendlier" when chance meetings occur. It does give new meaning to "bear hug."
June 29, 2009 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is just terrific.
The lion lies down with the lamb or some such.
I saw a documentary on the history channel showing a small deer (eland?) in Africa and it had lost his mother, and it stayed, unharmed with a female lioness.
June 29, 2009 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, there are many such stories. I saw some dear taking care of kittens once. That was something. I also had a dog who cared for and protected an injured cat, and a baby bird that had been abandoned. Somethings go beyond competition.
June 29, 2009 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been playing with this since it was sent to me by a old and dear friend:
Epic Mousetrap Fail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIkuyz4K_Ho&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.urlesque.com%2F2009%2F05%2F04%2Fmouse-trap-fail-do-we-like-mice-now%2F&feature=player_embedded
Thank you for this blog, Rowen! This so fits with where I am right now.
June 29, 2009 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was holding my breath the whole time, though I did not think you would post a snuff film ;)
Glad you enjoyed it.
June 29, 2009 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
But once you've seen it... you want to see it over and over...
No, I would never post a snuff film. Let alone watch one. Let alone go anywhere near one.
I love it!
I am playing with my blog....
June 29, 2009 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Really lovely, Rowan.... so I hope you enjoy this, on a slightly more domestic, though still similarly differentiated scale:
http://picasaweb.google.com/wwstaebler/UnlikelyButLovingFriends#
My friends, Everest and Tess.
June 29, 2009 7:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
They are very dear. Who is Everest and who is Tess? Thank you for sharing your friends' friendship with us.
June 29, 2009 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ten to one odds, the horse is Everest. Awesome post/thought Rowan.
June 30, 2009 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I haz seen this before.
It gladens the heart.
Thanks for sharing it, Rowan
=D
June 29, 2009 8:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
We all need some heart gladdening in my opinion
(splashing water joyfully)
June 29, 2009 9:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
(hold beak and bear)
(closes eyes tight)
(jumps in!!)
whoo hoo! I FLOAT!
June 29, 2009 9:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
THE bear is swimming with us, and I am SO glad you float, though I'll see if I can find something to use as a raft.
Ah here's a great big lily pad.
June 29, 2009 9:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hazy, Lazy, days of summer...
Just floating down a stream...
June 29, 2009 10:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed, though that lily pad is not quite a dreamboat ;=D
June 29, 2009 10:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beautiful playing Rowan! Such a good feeling.
Are bears and dogs related? They seem to have
similar ideas in the rough and tumble.
... and speaking of playing (music),
please watch "Musicology" on PBS tomorrow night at 8.
Should be a hoot!
June 30, 2009 2:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
I do believe that they must be on some cosmic level, thought I don't know about genetics.
Thanks for the heads up on PBS. I saw a promo of this and it looks great - both for music lovers and those who are interested in brain stuff.
June 30, 2009 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rowan: for gladdening the heart, have you seen this? (need to watch the last 30 seconds, even if you skip the middle):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno
July 1, 2009 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink