Started a new book yesterday called "Animals as Teachers and Healers" by Susan McElroy. As many of you know I am an avid animal lover so this book is a great read. Here are some quotes I tabbed while reading it...
Native American elder David Monongye wrote a letter to the United Nations, urging the leaders of all nations to consider the wisdom of obedience to what Native Americans call our "original instructions". He advised, "The original instructions of the Creator are universal and valid for all time. The essence of these instructions is compassion for all life and love for all creation. We must realize that we do not live in a world of dead matter, but in a universe of living spirit. Let us open our eyes to the sacredness of Mother Earth, or our eyes will be opened for us.
As Dostoyevsky wrote, "When you love every creature, you will understand the mystery of God in created things."
At a symposium on nature and spirit, Protestant theologian Sally McFague presented a modern look at our ancient notion of "dominion" over the Garden of Eden. She proposed that the devastating social, spiritual, and ecological problems we face today hinge on our refusal to sit down and "take our place in the scheme of things." Our intended place is not that of overlord or master, but one of a respectful and loving partnership.
Storyteller Joseph Bruchac speculates that perhaps animals are wiser than human beings because they do not forget how to behave: "A bear never forgets it is a bear, yet humans often forget what a human must do. Humans forget to take care of their families and forget to show respect to other things. They become confused because of material possessions and power"
Just some things to ponder...
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