We all need some love just ask a baboon

Photo: Tom Adams

Baboons are large and fascinating monkeys. There are five different species of them and they all like to hang out in the more open areas of the African continent.

Baboons love places that have good visibility. This is a great idea when you live in a land that has large predators such as leopards and lions.Wise baboons want to see hungry predators sneaking up on them before they get too close. Otherwise, they may end up moving along the 'circle of life' a little sooner than expected.

Baboons are highly social creatures and live in large units called 'troops.' It's important for troops to function as well as they can and relationship is what it's all about. Baboons need to maintain healthy relationships with their family and friends (yes, baboons actually have friends) just as we do. Baboons do this by engaging in grooming behaviors. They sit or lie beside one another and sift through one another's fur. Scientists once thought baboons were only interested in searching for lice and other unwanted critters. We now know that lice or no lice, the primary purpose of grooming is to establish and maintain relationships and boy, it feels good too!

As humans, we are social primates too but not as hairy (well...most of us aren't). But sometimes we're so busy living as individuals that we forget our relationships with others. We forget our connection to all things. We think we are separate. But like baboons, we all need to engage in behaviors that establish or maintain our relationships. That could be a simple touch of the hand, pat on the back, or rib-breaking hug.

Research has proven what baboons and other social creatures already know; that physical contact is vital to our mental and emotional health. So go out and spread a little love but don't tell anyone you're looking for lice! Do keep in mind however, a particular person's cultural sensitivities. If you're not sure, remember a kind word, a smile, and a prayer is an equally good way of letting someone know you care.

Peace to all

A special hello to all CPAs