Everyone says that time seems to be speeding up. In our efforts to help spread the message of compassion to all living beings, we may find that our lives become more and more computer-centered. We may neglect to treat in a humane manner the being that we are, driving ourselves into frustration and unhappiness by the sheer amount of work we try to do, and the emotional load we attempt to carry. The sins of our culture are so vast, and when we open to them, we may become disconnected from the natural joyfulness of our true nature.

Because so many people are in denial about the violence our culture routinely metes out to nonhuman animals, those of us who make an effort to be aware of it, understand it, and take responsibility for it can easily feel not just overwhelmed but also rejected by most people. They absolutely do not want to hear about or be aware of the massive violence toward animals that is going on behind the curtain of our cultural denial.

So!! I've found that it is wonderfully inspiring and healing to take time in nature, and to connect with the beauty of our Earth. From this connection, our efforts to protect life naturally flow and we avoid burnout. I recently wrote about this:

"In a few days I'm going to pack a tent and sleeping bag into our inflatable kayak and paddle to an uninhabited mangrove island here in the Florida Keys. It reliably freshens my heart, relaxes my mind, and nourishes my spirit to spend time alone in a secret hideaway in nature. Inner peace, joy, gratitude, and deeper understanding flow more easily when I'm surrounded by the silent benevolence of trees, rivers, oceans, mountains, and wildflowers and when my closest neighbors are birds, deer, squirrels, fish, and dragonflies, and I feel connected to the green Earth and to the stars and moon, and the vastness of the sky."

To read the rest of this article, and to see the short video I made that accompanies the article: www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/your-secret-hideaway-is-calling-the-importance-of-connecting-with-nature

Our prayers and actions continue to bring more love and compassion into the world and to awaken people to the dignity and preciousness of all life. Thank you all for all that you do for all living beings.