Earlier this week, I listened to an interview with author Dacher Kaltner about his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. I haven’t read the book yet (it’s on my list now!), but I keep thinking about the premise, as I will try to clumsily paraphrase: the key to happiness is experiences that give you a sense of awe.
As it relates to the sanctuary, it brings up three things for me. The first is just the fact of being around and getting to know members of another species, a species that is so relatable and yet mysterious at the same time. Just to be in their presence for a few minutes can be awe-inspiring.
I admit that there are times when I forget how incredible an unique this experience is. And I often think about how the chimpanzees shouldn’t have been put in a situation where this was possible for me at all. But they were, and I’m one of a small number of people who get to spend my days taking care of them and trying to work towards a future when chimpanzees are no longer in any captive environment. Dreaming of that day, when chimpanzees are only found free in their native land, evokes a different and even deeper sense of awe.
The second element of the sanctuary + awe that was brought up for me is the land and natural surroundings where the sanctuary sits. As I wrote on our About Us page, the sanctuary is located on the traditional land of the Kittitas band of the Yakama Tribe. The native Kittitas people referred to what we now call the Cle Elum River near the sanctuary as Tle-el-Lum, meaning Swift Water. I imagine the members of this tribe had a reverential respect for the river and the life that it carried and nourished.
J.B. and I have lived on the sanctuary property for about fourteen years now, and the last several, since the sanctuary has acquired more land, have been without any human neighbors within sight. Our couch faces large windows that look out into the orchard and the pine trees beyond the orchard that stand tall on the hill overlooking the river. It’s an awesome view that never gets old.
When we walk out the door, we are always greeted by the sounds of stellar jays or eagles or other birds (this time of year its the busy twittering of juncos, in a few months it will be the longer calls of red wing blackbirds). The deer pass through the property regularly, the marmots and ground squirrels always show up in the spring, and every once in a while we see elk, bobcats, coyotes or wild turkeys.
The third element of the sanctuary + awe that I keep thinking about is the experiences of awe that chimpanzees might have. There have been a few studies in the wild that have approached this question, including some speculation about the possibility of “sacred trees.”
I don’t think we could definitively say what any chimpanzee is experiencing, but once in a while we catch the chimpanzees at the sanctuary in moments that just might be awe.
Here’s to more awe for everyone in 2023.
Rosalie Allen says
Thank you for the awe inspiring photos and the thoughtful commentary. Great food formthought at the end of the day!
Gaynell says
What a lovely view of nature you must have every day. I think the chimps must be awed too by the fact that they are free to climb, to explore and to feel the sun on their faces.
Linda C says
Yes, please, to that year!
It’ll come back to you, Diana, as soon as it’s warm enough for gator racing at sunset!
Mark B. says
Somebody’s a [very] good photographer!
tomaustin says
For the “NEW-CREW” who have never had the access of the open spaces that are coming over the horizon very quickly, it will likely be initially confusing for them……time is on their side…..just open the doors and get out of their way….
Help them turn the page and let the next chapter begin….:heart_eyes:
Tara McKenney says
What a touching post, Diana. Thank you for your thoughtful insight. I like the way you think. And I’m envious of your natural surroundings!
Tobin says
Diana, your essay speaks volumes. I, too, experience that sense of awe about the chimpanzees and cattle — and their immediate surroundings — from several hundred miles away. The photographs from today’s blog convey that awe:. the upward gaze of Jamie, the look on Jody’s face as she surveys the Winter landscape, and Negra sitting amidst the wildflowers.
Speaking of beauty:. Thank you, Diana, for the framed portrait of Farmer Jo carrying her snack of Lemon’s Willow as she crosses her meadow. I am grateful, and humbled and awed, by her image and her very existence. Thank you for bringing her out of death into life.
Michelle says
Diana I just love your view the colours are just magical. I have a view where I live in Australia that I think does compete with that, of surfing waves and beautiful sunshine. ??? Thanks for the fantastic photos especially Neggie :revolving_hearts:
CarolR says
What an uplifting, totally wonderful post…..both your words and feelings, along with the fabulous photos are a joy. Thank you Diana. :hugging:
Kathleen says
One of the main reasons I am awestruck by what you, the caregivers and volunteers do every day is, as you put it, “….the fact of being around and getting to know members of another species, a species that is so relatable and yet mysterious at the same time. Just to be in their presence for a few minutes can be awe-inspiring”. I try to imagine what it must be like to be in their presence everyday and to form deep relationships with them. It must be so humbling.
The sanctuary property is breathtakingly beautiful. Cle Elum, the traditional land of the Kittitas band of the Yakama Tribe, holds so much beauty. How unfortunate colonial settlers changed the name of their river. The name Swift Water gives the river life and there is no doubt rivers are alive.
Oh these photos! Yes. Looking at each one, and countless others from past years, one would conclude that these individuals experience awe living in their sanctuary surroundings. And while I have no idea what the chimps actually think and feel, I believe Missy feels a sense of being truly wild when she climbs her newly found trees. She has experienced a vantage point none of us have seen!! That alone is awesome. You have gifted the chimpanzees with extraordinary experiences.
All of this leaves me awestruck. Thank you, Diana, for this moving post. I am looking forward to following up on the included links.
Arlene and Michael says
This is beautiful Diana. I am in awe of these beautiful and resilient Chimps and the breathtaking scenery you have around you, and I am inspired by all of you dedicated people who help to make the Sanctuary the amazing place that it is. Thank you!!!
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Wow, your beautiful words and description of the awe inspiring landscape (including the gorgeous photos!) just took my breath away . And, yes, made me think of those long gone Indian tribes who also saw that beautiful landscape. Thank you for sharing this with us. Food for thought on inspiration.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Wow, your beautiful words and description of the awe inspiring landscape (including the gorgeous photos!) just took my breath away . And, yes, made me think of those long gone Yakima natives who also saw that beautiful landscape. Thank you for sharing this with us. Food for thought on inspiration.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Wow, your beautiful words and description of the awe inspiring landscape (including the gorgeous photos!) just took my breath away . And, yes, made me think of those long gone Yakama natives who also saw that beautiful landscape. Thank you for sharing this with us. Food for thought on inspiration.
Caroline says
Thank you for sharing my awe of Nature, and thank you for sharing your sanctuary with us all; i am in awe of all of you ?
Deanna says
What a beautiful post with beautiful photos to match. Such a wonderful life you have created for both you and those in your care. I know that as wonderful and beautiful and awe inspiring your position is, it can be equally as challenging and at times utterly heart breaking. The yin with the yang… Those awe inspiring moments and love make it all worth it!!! Thank you.