I'd like to start today's post with another quote that I read recently.
"Love is an element which though physically unseen is as real as air or water. It is an acting, living, moving force...it moves in waves and currents like those of the ocean."
-Prentice Mulford
There's a scenario that I encounter often within all animal rights activism. Hate, depression, sadness, anger and "burn out" are quite common. Of course it is entirely normal and justified to feel these emotions when presented with photographs and/or videos of animals living in abhorrent conditions or being ruthlessly slaughtered. But it is our love for these creatures that births our passion, and this we must remember. I truly believe that to focus solely on the negative only contributes to the problem at hand. There are plenty of negative emotions at play, felt by the fishermen, authoritites, Japanese Government, and the dolphins themselves. Why focus on anger and death? To hold onto these emotions is to create further situations where they will be felt.
Currently, you may think that the circumstances in Taiji will play out as a movie with the ending previously decided. I ask you to challenge this belief. There is nothing set in stone. These whales and dolphins need not die. Do you believe that your thoughts and emotions hold weight? Now might be the time to consider this a possibility. What is the reasoning for your passion? Do you advocate for the oceans because of your love of dolphins and whales, and your desire for them to swim freely, living a life of enjoyment? I urge you to focus on the love you feel for these animals. Yes, you may spend your time seething in anger due to the ruthless killing, but only you can control your thoughts. You can also choose to believe that there must remain some shred of decency within these men. You can choose to imagine these wonderful beings swimming freely in an ocean not harmed by man. These are the thoughts I hold in my mind when I think of Taiji.
And one day the whales and dolphins of our oceans will sing "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!
-MLK Jr.
For the Oceans,
Tarah
This is all good stuff to remember! When we focus only on our anger, we're unlikely to make rational choices. It's hard to keep a level head when we're faced with such desperate situations.
ReplyDelete- Rex
www.23skidoo.org
I really needed to read this Tarah, I have been feeling depressed, and angry lately about the Dolphins and Whales being killed; also about animals in general being abused and hurt. I don't want to get so caught up in my sorrow about their fates that I lose sight of our common goal: To free these creatures so they can live out their lives as is intended. Thank you so very much for what you are doing, you are in Japan in a way representing all of us back home who for whatever reason cannot go. Good luck, and be safe. Tara:)
ReplyDeleteYou're very right, Rex.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could help, Tara.
No matter where we are, we can make a difference! Maintaining a positive attitude will allow you to keep up your efforts for the animals.
I wish you all the best!