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Otters are so cool, I wanna be like one. How do I learn to become otter?
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You have to act as an otter in all aspects of life possible. Emulate the otter diet, sleeping patterns, social activities, et cetera. Of course, these things will vary depending on which species of otter you desire most to be like, but general constants will be things like consuming raw seafood, cultivating a thick coating of body hair, and a general preference for freedom and liberty over tyranny. You also are going to want to sit in buckets a lot
What does it mean to "get in the water"?
Otters normally get in the water whenever there's danger on land. To otters, the water is an escape from whatever threatens them on land. That's because the water is a different realm where the rules and circumstances of the land do not apply. There's a hard divide between the land and the water, and getting in the water entails taking a big leap. You make a splash, you get wet, and it may be uncomfortable at first but soon you get used to it and begin to enjoy it.
Otter's distinguishing feature is the ability to make that leap. Whatever is pursuing it on land can't follow it into the water, and thus the otter is safe. But otters aren't born with the ability. In fact, otter pups hate the water and must first be taught to get in it. There is an instinctive aversion that must be overcome through practice. Similarly, we also have to acquire that ability.
Getting in the water can be seen as a rebellious act. It's certainly an act of bravery...
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This to me seems like a really important lesson that can be learned from otters about getting in the water
. Restrictive things can, and often are, comfortable, much moreso than the alternative. If an otter lived his entire life on land, he wouldn't have to deal with the fear and the discomfort that comes from trying something new, from getting into the water, but he'd also never experience the joy and the freedom of having an entire existence in the water. So while something that confines us might be comfortable and simple, like land to a baby otter, breaking free of this comfort to experience new things is oftentimes the best thing that we can do
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I'm thinking "the water" can be literally just the water (swimming is fun! and definitely makes you more ottery) and also something unique to each person. Note how when you get in the water, you go through your own reflection. So what the water is depends on you.
I'm not sure about examples, and I can't even think of what my own personal "water" would be, so I'm sorry if this is vague, but this is the best I can explain it
I think the water is our second nature. It isn't our home, otter holts are on land after all, so it isn't what comes most naturally to us. But being in the water is also something otters are very good at, their fur is magic at keeping them dry and they're great swimmers, but they still need to breathe air. Otters also seem to play the most when they are in the water, so getting in the water should either be a precursor to something enjoyable or be enjoyable itself.
All this is to say that I think getting in the water is something you enjoy doing, that you are good at doing, but is also something you weren't very good at when you started, you had to learn it. It could be a game, or a sport, or swimming, or art, or debate! If you haven't found such a thing yet, then you gotta go on some adventures to find your water. Try lots of things, see what sparks joy for you.
I would also say that otters are almost uniquely playful. So in addition to getting into the water, I think that fi...
>>2670 Agree with everything you said. I think you got the whole point of "get in the water" really well. And the fun is important too. Where we may see a muddy riverbank, the otter sees a fun sliding opportunity. Otters are super curious animals, whenever the otter sees something new, he's sure to try and play with it. So being present in the moment, enjoying the little things are what matter.
As an otter you're the apex predator, the king of your realm. All the fish, crabs, and other small animals fear you. But you don't really care, you're just gonna take it easy and have fun. A lot of people try really hard to become successful, and when they do, it completely changes them. They become boastful and arrogant and desire ever more instead of reaching contentment. Otters aren't like that, even though they are powerful predators they have no showiness about them and just enjoy their life the way it is. Being humble and appreciating what you have is one of the important otter lessons I would think.
The principle of getting in the water also points toward the merits of self-discipline and commitment. The water may not be enjoyable or pleasant. It may be cold and uncomfortable. But the water is rewarding all the same. There is something to be gained from getting in the water. Something that is greater than the unpleasant feeling that comes from getting in it. You may make that leap into the water, and you may catch a fish or a crab, and then eat and be satisfied for the rest of the day. Those few minutes in the water getting over your own aversion to the discomfort of being in the aquatic environment brought you something much better than just avoiding having to endure the water for a short while.
This is a lesson for us, too. When the prophet said that Paradise is surrounded by hardships, he was referring to the trials and hardships a believer endures in this life to gain the ultimate reward in the next. There are unpleasant and uncomfortable things in our lives which we en...
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