  Spiritual
This week: Be Kind to Animals Edited by: Sophy  
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Hi, I'm Sophy ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. This week we'll focus on "Be Kind to Animals Week" (May 1-7, 2011) which has been observed in the US since 1915.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book "Finding Your Religion," compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated . . .
I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough.
We have a higher mission--to be of service to them wherever they require it."
St. Francis of Assisi
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
Anatole France
"Be Kind to Animals Week" has been sponsored by the American Humane Society annually since 1915, and whether or not you are from the US, it's a great opportunity to consider the important spiritual role animals play in our lives. At the organization's website, you can find valuable information on some concrete ways to observe this week:
• Speak out for animals
• Report animal abuse
• Appreciate wildlife
• Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
• Take care of your pet
Why talk about this in the Spiritual Newsletter? Well, since the very beginning of human life on this planet, people have recognized that there is no separating wall or gulf between human and animal kingdoms. In fact, "early humans saw all creatures of the world as fellow travelers and spiritual companions, and they respected animals for the wisdom they had to offer. Tribes and individuals adopted totems - animals whose power and knowledge could serve as a source of strength, insight, and renewal. And in stories, myths, and dreams, animals shared their secrets about the magic and mystery of life." (From SpiritualRX website.)
As humanity progressed and became more "civilized," as well as evolving from earth-based spirituality to organized religion, this sacred connection between humans and animals was often ignored, as some people began to act on the assumption that humans are the dominant species, giving us free rein to use and abuse animals in whatever way we see fit. Fortunately, people from a variety of spiritual perspectives and religious traditions are beginning to see how wrong that attitude has been and are starting to value animals as, if not equal, at least valuable members of our world to be cared for and not mistreated. Today more and more people are trying to rekindle this primal connection with animals.
I invite you to take some time this week to do some soul-searching about our connection with animals. Because WDC is a writing site, I'm providing some writing exercises from the SpiritualRX site to help get you going. If you come up with something, share it with me so I can put it in my June newsletter.
• Did you have a pet when you were growing up? Do you now? Write about how your life been enriched by your pets.
• What is/was your favorite children's book about an animal? Write about what drew you to it.
• Animals are still struggling to survive in the wild. Write a poem or prayer for the wolves that are being shot in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, eastern portions of Oregon and Washington and northern Utah. Pray too for the dolphins killed in Japan and the whales killed in the Antarctic.
• Think about the ways in which animals are caregivers. They help children develop their self-esteem. They help cardiac patients heal and live longer lives. They serve as companions for lonely senior citizens and isolated prisoners. Have animals helped you? Write about it.
• Chet Raymo has written: "Whatever our common origin, this much is certain. The sea squid is my cousin. The hummingbird and the humpback whale are twigs on my family tree. Bacteria and viruses are kith and kin. All species of life on earth share a common chemistry and a common genetic inheritance." Write about the animals where you live that you consider your neighbors.
• What was your most vivid encounter with a wild animal? What did you feel like? Did you learn anything about yourself? Write about it.
• If you could come back to earth as an animal, write about which one would you be, and why.
That's all for this month -- happy May!
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Below you'll find items around the site about animals and our spiritual connections. Please let the folks know if you read their piece by leaving a thoughtful comment or review.
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How my nosey dog and a sleepy raccoon led me on a Lenten pilgrimage
#1758434 by Lindy  |
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Here are some comments from my last Spiritual Newsletter on National Poetry Month, "Spiritual Newsletter (April 6, 2011)" :
From Katya the Poet 
Loved this celebration of poetry & spirituality, their entwined beingness!
Thanks for including my poem, too!
You are welcome!
     
From Specter
Hi sophie,
This poem was written in a few minutes after reading the NL. To me, other religions are a dead issue. I know Christ is the Living Author of Life and there is no other. Anyway, it sparked me to write:
Trusting Christ
Ah, to grace the earth anew
By joyous wonderments, more than a few;
Lifted wing given to flight
Brings "all to all" spiritual light.
Fall to flight bended man
Look up in all you can;
Faith enwraps wisdom as a gift,
Gladly given just over the rift.
Wonderous sprays of light
Shower over "all in all" truth's delight.
Believe Christ, not the world... slick
While I don't agree that Christianity is the only true religion, I'm glad the NL inspired you to write a poem about your faith during Poetry Week. Thanks for sharing!
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming, they are greatly appreciated!
Sophy |
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Spiritual: May 04, 2011 Issue [#4371]
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