River Monster Ruminations

My new favorite show is River Monsters. I'm surprised by my attraction to this show- fascinated, and not entirely sure why. I don't fish, but I DO love adventure. Maybe that's the answer...

The host, Jeremy Wade, travels the world fishing for strange and/or dangerous fish. All of the shows I've watched (I only became aware of it this season) have sensational titles like "Flesh Ripper." The story unfolds a bit like a mystery: does a certain fish really do whatever people claim it does, etc. At its heart, however, is a man with a great deal of curiosity about and respect for fish. I think that's perhaps another reason I like it so much.

Although there are exciting scenes in every show where the fish is finally landed, it's clear that Jeremy Wade spends plenty of time with his line in the water beforehand. In one episode he fishes for eleven days straight ( day and night) before he manages to hook the fish he's looking for.

I've spent some time thinking about the truths that River Monsters reminds me of...

- For every moment of triumph, there are many many disappointments and much waiting. If fishing can teach this life lesson effectively, I'd say that it should be mandatory training for all of us. We often expect immediate results and chafe under the discipline of waiting.

- Related to that is the development of a skill until it reaches the level of art. Becoming adept takes time and commitment. Practice makes better (if not perfect) and one who has practiced a lot makes what he is doing look easy and natural.

- Life is better when you approach others with respect and wonder. On River Monsters Wade encounters peoples and cultures very different from his own. He's smart enough to make friends and learn whatever the indigenous people have to teach him. His success is in part due to his emotional intelligence. He also respects the fish he catches, examining them with gentleness and releasing them back into the water (I know for certain that I could not watch the show if he was fishing for trophies). This world is full of interesting people and creatures. When we take the time to notice, our lives are enriched.

- People who follow their passion live interesting lives. I don't think this requires any elaboration...

Perhaps more on this later, but for now I'm content to chew this cud.