Tegu: Ancient wisdom for modern life

Photo of Tegu lizard (Tupinambis merianae). Image credit: T. Hoogendyk & A. Slocombe
Photo credit:
T. Hoogendyk & A. Slocombe

Modern life is difficult; unlike in ancient times, when our problems were simple (avoid being eaten, get enough food to avoid starving), today's troubles are numerous, subtle, and seemingly difficult to grasp. Personal issues, shopping, bills, quarrelsome friends, parking, etc. can make one feel truly overwhelmed.

The solution? Ask Tegu! The Tegu is a medium-sized (currently about 2.5 feet long, but growing), terrestrial and omnivorous lizard with a mild temperament and a large appetite for food and sleep. Unlike our own lives, the Tegu lives a live of simplicity, calm, and relative peace. Can we learn ancient wisdom from this animal?

Find out below!

Question: "I'm having problems with my diet; it seems I can never find the right kinds of food that will make me feel my best!"
Tegu says:

Eat more banana

Question: "My best friend and I are not getting along right now. How can I make him/her understand that my feelings are important too, and not just theirs?"
Tegu says:

Give your friend room under the sun lamp

Question: "Life at work is more stressful than ever; My boss seems to demand more and more from me every day. How do I deal with this?"
Tegu says:

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

Question: "I'm having trouble sleeping at night because my head is swirling with all the things I need to do the next day. I always wake up tired. How do I get a good nights rest?"
Tegu says:

Burrow under the rock for better rest

Well, there you have it. Ancient wisdom for modern life. Of course, there are many other such problems that one might face in life, but one could use these four simple answers above to pretty much cover all of them.