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Learning to Ride Elephants

Jaden Cox

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Published in Teaching Happiness And Well Being In Schools Second Edition: Learning To Ride Elephants

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A Journey Through Time and Space

I have always been fascinated by elephants. These gentle giants are so intelligent and social, and their presence always brings a smile to my face. When I was younger, I dreamed of one day riding an elephant. I imagined myself soaring through the jungle on the back of a magnificent beast, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my face.

Teaching Happiness and Well-Being in Schools, Second edition: Learning To Ride Elephants

by Linda Daniel-Spitz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	775 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

As I got older, my dream of riding an elephant faded into the background. I became busy with school and work, and I no longer had the time or the money to travel to a faraway land to fulfill my dream. But even though I had given up on my dream, I never forgot it.

A few years ago, I was offered the opportunity to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. I jumped at the chance, and soon I was on my way to the other side of the world.

The elephant sanctuary was located in a remote part of the jungle. When I arrived, I was greeted by a herd of elephants, all of whom were eager to meet me. I was immediately drawn to one particular elephant, a young female named Maya. Maya was curious and playful, and she quickly became my favorite.

I spent the next few weeks working at the elephant sanctuary. I helped to feed the elephants, clean their enclosures, and take them for walks in the jungle. I also learned a lot about elephant behavior and care.

One day, I asked one of the mahouts if I could ride Maya. The mahout smiled and said, "Of course. But first, you must learn to communicate with her."

I spent the next few days learning how to communicate with Maya. I learned how to use my voice, my body, and my touch to tell her what I wanted her to do. I also learned how to read her body language so that I could understand what she was feeling.

Finally, the day came when I was ready to ride Maya. I was nervous at first, but Maya was patient and gentle with me. She let me climb onto her back and then she started to walk.

As we walked through the jungle, I felt like I was on top of the world. The wind was in my hair, the sun was on my face, and I was surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. I couldn't believe that I was actually riding an elephant.

I rode Maya for hours that day. We explored the jungle, we crossed rivers, and we climbed mountains. I felt a deep connection with Maya, and I knew that I would never forget this experience.

The next day, I returned to the elephant sanctuary to say goodbye to Maya. I thanked her for letting me ride her, and I promised her that I would never forget her.

I left the elephant sanctuary with a heavy heart, but I also knew that I would be back. I had fallen in love with elephants, and I knew that I wanted to continue to learn about them and to help them.

A few months later, I returned to Thailand to volunteer at the elephant sanctuary again. This time, I stayed for several months, and I learned even more about elephants. I also got to ride Maya again, and this time, I felt even more comfortable and confident.

I have now been to the elephant sanctuary several times, and I have ridden Maya many times. Each time I visit, I learn more about elephants and I grow closer to Maya. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have learned to ride elephants, and I know that it is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Teaching Happiness and Well-Being in Schools, Second edition: Learning To Ride Elephants

by Linda Daniel-Spitz

4.5 out of 5