Hand-inked illustration capturing the gentleness within. Elephants are grand in nature, like gentleness is to emotion. Therefore, the elephant is the icon for the power of gentleness within us all. Plus, who doesn’t like these beautiful animals? I had the pleasure of hand washing one at an elephant rescue park a few years ago. Deep in mud, waist-high in water, an experience that strengthened my love for all animals, big and small.