It is a rare thing these days to think that we, the mighty human, could possibly have something to learn from say, a lowly ant. The fact is that the "lowly" ant, whose lifetime may only span a fraction of one of ours, will likely accomplish more physical labour than any human being could imagine.

We speak of "carrying our own weight" as it applies to each individual's capabilities. This can be taken figuratively or literally depending on the situation to which it is applied. It also has a great deal to do with the amount of effort we are willing to put forth to "carry our own weight", so in actuality, the whole concept is relative to the individual and very open to interpretation.

If you refer back to our astounding friend the ant, he will carry up to ten times his body weight repeatedly, travelling hundreds of metres all day long. His concern for and dedication to his community is truly amazing and I'm sure we can all learn some very valuable concepts from him if only we would take the time to get to know him.

Next time you happen upon one these little creatures, refrain from stepping on him and watch him for a while. If you have the time, follow him for a bit and try to see the obstacles he has to overcome. Upon observation, you may begin to understand that he has his own set of problems and although they do not seem as complicated as yours, they are still there.

Watch as he tries to pull a dead insect over a tiny stick, he may falter and drop the insect a number of times. Note that he does not just give up and leave the prize, he will stay there until he makes it. From your aerial view, you may wonder why he doesn't go around the stick, but look through his eyes, he does not see the big picture, he does not see that a few inches to the left would bring him closer to his goal.

Do not mistake this for stupidity, it is merely perception. It would be the equivalent of our thinking inside the box.

It's amazing what can be learned if one allows the lesson to be taught. Each animal has something special and unique to teach us. We can adopt these animals as guides to teach us the lessons we need to learn when we are ready to learn them.

When one begins to see nature in this light, to revere life in all of it's beautiful and varied forms, one will inevitably come to hold a great respect for the Earth.

Anyone with a garden full of peonies should know the importance of the ant. A friend of mine can't stand the idea of ants and so, she killed all the ants in her yard. That year, not one of her beloved peonies opened.

Nature has its own balance. The ants that she hated so much had been chewing the tough green casings off her peony buds for years allowing them to bloom. She has since learned to live in harmony with her ants.

If, by chance, your house is overrun by these little workaholics, try a line of cayenne pepper at the point of entry. It's much safer for pets and children than the chemical alternatives. Ants don't like spicy food so they won't want to get cayenne all over themselves - they go elsewhere. A far more desirable outcome than massacring an entire colony.