What Beaver has taught me about rebuilding our world

I believe that Nature is one of our greatest teachers. When we pay attention, we can learn so much from the animals, plants, and earth.

With both my wife and I being self employed entrepreneurs, having beavers live in the creek behind our home feels like an extra relevant blessing. Beaver medicine is industrious, persistent, and grounded. It also speaks to stewardship of the land.

So I was very saddened when I discovered that the dam had been washed away this winter.

What would happen to them?
Would they rebuild? Or relocate?

A month ago, we were fortunate to spot one beaver at sunset and I was excited to see them rebuilding. The new dam is growing quickly, despite the high water level and strong current (it’s been a very wet spring and summer so far).

I take heart every time I park the car and look at the forest, the creek, and the new dam.

Sometimes, you lose everything. But it’s only an opportunity to rebuild.

Sometimes, life seems to “take” things away or changes the plan. But it’s all part of a larger plan, a bigger picture, and it’s simply time for something new.

Thank you, beaver, for teaching me this. As we rebuild our world, let us continue to look to the natural world for wisdom and guidance.

Beaver didn’t get pissed off at the river for washing away his home. He didn’t whine and complain about all the extra work he now had to do. He didn’t give up, thinking what’s the point?

No. He simply got back to work gnawing down trees and living his life and slowly and carefully rebuilt his world.

This is what we need to do.

What have you been learning from nature lately?

I’d love to know in the comments!