An applicant to the Biological Sciences program at Oxford University sits down in front of the Tutor (interviewer) and is given a cactus in a pot and a close-up photo of its surface. The Tutor states, “Here’s a cactus. Tell me about it.” What would you say? Would you talk about the large sharp spines, surrounded by lots of small hair-like spines? Would you address the problems faced by plants and animals in dry habitats? When I first saw the question, it made me think about how we see things. What do we really see when we take a hard look at something?

It’s no big secret to those who know me that I have a 6 year old black lab that is my absolute best friend and my world revolves around her. Last night, as she was asleep, I watched and wondered. What was she dreaming about? Why was her back left foot twitching? How do I explain the whimpering sounds she makes when she is asleep? What does it all mean? I’m sure I can read up on all the dog psychology and come up with an educated explanation. However, I would rather use my imagination and come up with my own story. But, what about other things? What about the bubble that surrounds our lives?

I challenge you to take a hard look at something in your presence that is simple and describe it; explain it. We all have a junk drawer. Open it up, pick out something, and take a good look at it. Give some deep thought to what it is, why do you have it, what is it’s purpose? Think about the child that keeps asking why over and over and over again. The child is forcing you to give it more thought and to keep coming up with another answer to satisfy their curiosity. Be that child and keep asking yourself why over and over and over again. With the warmer, nicer weather approaching, take some time to sit outside and observe your surroundings. REALLY look at everything. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, listen, then open your eyes. What do you hear, smell, feel? Can your explanation of all of it satisfy a child enough so they stop asking why?

Tell me about the cactus.