HEED THE HIPPO

One of my favorite plush toys as a child was a set of hugging hippos. A pink and a blue hippo embraced each other with velcro arms. So loveable and peaceful they presented themselves. But in reality, the hippo is neither. It is one of Africa’s most dangerous animals because of its size and strength, and the fact that it is so easily provoked.

Their size and behavior can be deceiving, in that it may suggest a slow, sluggish nature. But provoke a hippo and it becomes a master of agility, strength and speed.

Observing the hippo and thinking about its nature and temperament reminds me of how some people can be. I have met some angry, bitter people who are easily provoked and quick to attack, giving little thought to the words they speak or the actions they choose. Like the hippo, who is thin skinned and runs the risk of overheating if not completely submerged during the hot part of the day, an angry person is much the same way. They are impatient and intolerant and blow up at the slightest inconvenience.

I guess I should clarify that I realize anger in itself is not a bad thing. There is a good kind of anger that is productive and brings about positive change. But an unhealthy anger, allowed to breed resentment and bitterness will cause destruction wherever it rears its head. Hippo reminds us to take care, that when provoked, our words and actions do not become hurtful or destructive to ourselves or others. It invites us to submerge ourselves fully in deeper waters to see things from a clearer perspective, to see beneath the surface of things and examine our own motives.

Looks can be deceiving and so can be the secret world of festered emotion.

Heed the hippo.