I don’t know if you need some good news, I certainly do. I was happy to hear that Mexico has a ban on dolphin shows and the use of marine mammals in entertainment. It also bans the breeding of dolphins in captivity. Dolphins that are currently in dolphinariums and entertainment facilities must be cared for, under strict standards, until their natural death.
As I sit down to write this blog I feel moved to say something about the children and animals who are currently starving and dying. In a world with so many riches and wealth I ask myself how can we let this happen? We must and can do better. Please help them. You can donate money to food banks, animal welfare organizations, or to zoos; you can volunteer your time at an animal shelter or you can call your elected officials and voice your opinions. Now is not the time to be silent. You may think that a small act does not make a difference. It does. All acts add up. Even if we can change one life for the better, we have made a choice, and taken a positive step forward. Thank you.
Time has gone swiftly and I have been remiss in posting a blog. Please excuse me. Life has been busy, selling my beloved home and helping an aging parent move. I had underestimated what it means to move and now remember, it is quite something. There is an emotional side to it and a physical side -letting go of what no longer serves, being courageous in the face of change, sadness over what once was, and hope for what will be. Step by step has been my mantra, as has a persevering spirit within. I am lucky and know that so many others have no homes or are in terrible situations. And then, there are the countless animals dying because of environmental degradation, starvation, or pollution. May we all continue to be kind to one another, help those in need, and be kind to animals. Thank you.
Sadly, there has been a wildfire raging in southern New Jersey, in an area that is called the Pinelands or Pine Barrens. It has burned over 15,000 acres and has been only 65% contained as I write this blog. The Pinelands is the biggest surviving forest on the eastern seaboard south of Maine’s North Woods. It has over 800,000 acres of forest, of which only about half is permanently preserved.
It is a very special place and has a unique biological diversity – a kind of Noah’s Ark for species adapted to the area.
The fire was started by a nineteen year old who decided to build a bonfire. He did not extinguish it properly and the result is devastating for the people and animals who live in the area, and for the forest itself. Adults must protect our natural habitats and teach our children to do the same! Nature is not to be taken for granted.
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” — Albert Einstein
“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”
Morgan Freeman
Many people have been affected by the recent fires around Los Angeles, California. More than 27 people have perished and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed. Some people lost everything and got out with only a change of clothes, a laptop, and important documents. When my friend called me crying and told me of her loss, I cried too. It felt deep and visceral. It unearthed me. It felt vulnerable, tragic and sad. And it felt scary. How often do we take things for granted? Big things, little things. Drinking tea out of our favorite cup. Putting on a favorite sweater. Being able to talk to a friend next door. This life is not for wimps. Take solace in each day’s blessings. Be grateful for what you have. Tomorrow is not promised.
One of my yoga teachers sent this poem by Canadian poet Rupi Kaur. Maybe it will give you some solace.
“They could take away
everything we have
and we’d conjure this
beautiful life up all over again
with the bones in our backs
building an empire
from the ground up
is exactly what we’re good at”
Another year is upon us and as I get older it feels like the days go by faster and faster. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I like to smell freshly roasted chestnuts in New York City, see red ribbons tied on packages, and smell the scent of fresh pine trees. I also love to hear holiday carols and the feeling of good will among many. That said, I realize this season can be difficult at times. Family resentments, unrealistic expectations, and unfinished business between people can cause anger and sadness. I encourage you to acknowledge your feelings and remember that a walk outside, a phone call with a friend, or sitting with your favorite pet can do wonders to lighten your worries, troubles or concerns.
May you have good health and many blessings as you journey forth. And thank you for being kind to animals.
As we take a moment to celebrate all of the holidays during this special season I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge all of you who read this blog. I thank you for your comments and support, and wish you much happiness and many blessings.
Since the days are getting shorter and the nights longer, I have been thinking of darkness and light, and their meaning in our lives. Many people say that is a time to slow down and be reflective, and a time to set new intentions for the future. I agree. We can also remember not to get stuck in our heads and to follow our hearts. Yes, the mind likes routine, predictability and to feel safe; yet the art of true happiness is through the heart which prefers spontaneity and adventure. I shall endeavor to find a balance between the mind and the heart, and hope you can too. With my warmest wishes, Nicole
In moments of difficulty or stress, I endeavor to remember to have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. And I keep getting up, no matter how many times I fall.