I have been working on a chapbook of essays and poems about all of the beings that I have come into contact with in my life. The dogs, the hens, and the bunnies that I have rescued over the years. The birds at Elephant Belly Sanctuary. My little dogs.
Last Saturday, I was reading some of my new work to a dear friend.
She asked me, is everything that you write so sad?
At first I felt the need to convince her that I have joyful work too. That it’s not all about love and loss, animals rescued from neglect and abuse, and the slipping away of life. I searched through the stories to find one that is happy and beautiful wanting to bring her joy through her tears.
But the truth is, that I wake up most mornings crying for the world. I wake up and the first thing I think about is how much pain and suffering is happening at the exact moment that I open my eyes in my bed- safe and warm.
Thich Nhat Hahn taught me that Every Day Is A Miracle. And I truly believe that. And every day 25 million farm animals are slaughtered in the United States. How I have managed to hold both of those truths in my tender heart is a mystery.
Yes, there is beauty in this world. And I desperately want to write about it and sing sweet songs in the morning sun. And I also want to share with you, in the most gentle and kind way, information about the harm that we cause. The effects of our actions. Because you might not know. And you might want to choose to be a part of the miracle of peace today.
Thich Nhat Hanh says,
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
Just today, a new day full of wonder, can you look at all beings with eyes of compassion?
LLM
L Leeds Meyers 
This is very thought provoking and inspiring. Thank you.
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Thank you for saying that, dear one. I appreciate that you took the time to read my story.
-LLM
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This is beautiful and I relate so much to it… seems the more we ourselves have, the more we perceive the suffering of others and wish to alleviate it… I’m happy to know you’re in the world, doing this work
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Wow. Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel so vulnerable putting my thoughts and feelings out into the world. Your words are very meaningful. 🙏🏻
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I love this. I see you as the much stronger part of me. You see wrongs, look them in the face, and feel they should be righted. I carry on through life hurting for those (plants and animals) that have been wronged, but burying my head in the sand and wishing it would stop; as if that does anything at all. It’s not something I am proud of. I am weak and you are strong. I look up to you. ❤️
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Thank you Lori🙏🏻. There are so many ways to join the current of change. Some small, some large, and many in between. Thank you for your honesty and your heartfelt response.
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