Abhay's Bhay

Life on Earth is astonishing. The sheer number of species and their unique adaptations are mind-boggling. In our human-made concrete jungles, other animals live just beneath the surface of our awareness. When I encounter these creatures in my daily routine, I’m filled with both intrigue and envy.

Take the squirrel, for example. Its bushy tail helps it balance as it leaps between branches. Or consider the dog, with its nose housing 294 million olfactory receptors—far more sensitive than mine. Cats can spring to heights nine times their own from a sitting position. Pigeons have hollow bones that make flying effortless. These animals navigate the world in ways that seem almost magical to me. In contrast, I rely on metal tubes for transportation, glasses to see, and devices to find my way. My life is shaped by societal demands and infrastructure created by those before me, while animals follow their basic survival instincts.

For all living things, survival boils down to two core needs: sustenance and shelter. Yet, as humans, our needs have evolved into an elaborate web of requirements—clothing, internet access, careers, relationships, and emotional expression. This complexity can be overwhelming.

Animals, by contrast, live by simpler rules. A cheetah, the fastest land mammal, can only sprint for 30 seconds before needing to rest. Chameleons shoot their tongues only when they need food. Peregrine falcons dive at speeds of up to 300 km/h for hunting. Cuttlefish and octopuses use camouflage to evade predators. When not in action, these creatures simply exist, without the pressures of deadlines or expectations.

I often feel like I’m perpetually behind. The constant influx of information about peers excelling in careers, friends vacationing in exotic locations, and the world’s issues creates a relentless pressure. I juggle work, school, relationships, and creative pursuits, all while grappling with a sense of guilt for not doing enough. This pressure to keep up with a globalized, connected world can be suffocating.

In these moments of overwhelm, I remind myself to breathe and disconnect. I envision a simpler time, when humans gathered around a fire, shared food, and told stories under a starry sky. The pressure we feel today is a byproduct of our own making. Sometimes, it’s important to step back and recognize that we don’t have to meet every expectation or follow every trend.

Take a moment to be like an animal. Find a place of stillness, embrace simplicity, and allow yourself to just exist. In a world full of noise and demands, it’s crucial to remember that sometimes, less truly is more. Let go of the pressure and give yourself permission to breathe. Life doesn’t have to be as complicated as we often make it.