Feb 8
Two beach camels and their masters
🇲🇦 Agadir, Morocco.
It was a warm winter’s day in Agadir, Morocco. Two camels and their masters traveled across the beach, along the ocean, towards a destination unknown.
For the camels, the end of the line was meaningless. Every step of their journey was much more significant. They were honored to be chosen, for it came with cause. Creating a slow and steady pace for their masters.
The masters knew of the destination. They fantasized about their arrival. Getting to the end of the line was their ultimate goal. The camels were valuable instruments in their ambition. Their mere duties were meaningful.
Together they walked, but they talked, separately. Communicating only with their own kind. Their topics of conversation obviously different. The masters were human, the camels were animals. Their views were none in the same.
The masters knew a lot about success. The cycle of desire, action, and achievement. And the rewarding feeling that came with it. But the camels knew a lot more about the present, and if you allowed, it truly felt like a gift.
So they went together. Through sand so fluid, it fell under their feet. Besides water so elegant it rolled waves onto the shore and reclaimed them back into the sea. Everyone and everything moved; soaking up the Moroccan sunlight.
They motivated each other. The masters lead with eagerness and hast, making the most of the day. The camels understood that slow and steady always won the race. Each motive was of importance, creating a contrast of equilibrium.
The masters woke the camels up for every sunrise. The camels lay the masters to rest for every sunset. Each member of the pack was grateful for their give-and-take exchange. Aligning their efforts with Mother Earth and her day.
It did not matter when they arrived. Time was only, a concept. They would come to the end when it was right. The masters reminded the camels of their aim, and the camels reminded the masters to savor the here and now.
The relationship between the pairs was mutually harmonious. They had opposing purposes throughout the crossing. But it lay on a foundation of respect and understanding. They required, and also, wanted each other.
Without the masters, the camels would waste their days; wandering around in a false direction, lazing under the sun. Simply existing in awe and glee.
Without the camels, the masters would move day and night; trekking far and fast, leaving little time to rest. Going with expectation and determination.
They relied on each other to complement the balance of their journey ☯
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I do not know whether the troupes made it to the final stop on their destination. I was simply exiting the ocean at dusk. Exhausted from an exhilarating surf. Inquisitive about the non-local natives.
I studied them as I emerged from the water. Picking up my board slowly and naturally. I ripped off my foot-leash, unable to shake the curiosity of the tribe's intention and relationship. I was tired but my mind was thought-full.
My interest and openness exceeded my exhaustion. I had to ask them about their travels; where they came from and where they were headed. Why choose each other? Why move each other? Questions I longed to know.
Thus, this was the story they told me. Both the camels and their masters.
