nature and nurture

Last night I watched a documentary which you may have heard of called The Cove. It is about dolphins being slaughtered in mass off the coast of Japan. Although the documentary was incredibly disheartening in terms of human behavior and marine conservation, it made me glad to be a vegetarian, one who also does not eat seafood.

However, it also made me want to do something more about it, to contribute my energy for the cause of life, life of all creatures and beings on the planet.

I am trying to seek out things I can do - consume less, do not support exploitation of animals in the circus, shows, etc.

Thinking of the abuse of animals and human beings in the world is enough to make someone really upset, to make you feel powerless, like a fly in a web struggling for freedom and a way out. You feel like you stand no chance against the governments and the large money-hungry corporations. You can sign petitions, but do they really work? Clicking the words "sign now" does not give you any feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment. Yet perhaps (hopefully) it is something.

Now, at the other end of the spectrum lies a philosophy, a way of thinking which may in fact solve these problems. It may help you to put these feelings to rest. It is the philosophy of letting go, releasing yourself from worry by either prayer, meditation or other form of disengagement from stress. I admit that this method can be quite effective and is, in fact, necessary for peace of mind. When it comes to matters of money, discrepancies at work, family bickering, annoying things and people, I do believe the best approach is the "F*ck It" method or "Let Go and Let God," basic realization by whatever means that these problems are not worth your energy. They detract from your happiness and quality of life.

Can we, however, apply these same systems for global issues, environmental trouble, rights of creatures (humans included)? Are these also cases that the every day individual should "give to God" or cope with under a tree with eyes closed for hours? Can positive thoughts and voices alone actually stop slaughter, war, oppression?

How can you, how can I make a difference when we are so busy with our own lives? And at the same time, how can we make a difference without losing our peace of mind or our optimism in life and encouraging thoughts about humanity?

After thinking and doing some research I have discovered what I believe you and I can do. It can be summed up as follows: Live your life as though you are a creature of this Earth who is part of an ecosystem, part of a group of living beings who are dependent on one another for survival and procreation.

Be an example of what to do.

1)Care.

2)Be a vegetarian.

3)Be a vegan.

4)Sign petitions.

5)Use cloth diapers for your baby.

6)Use cloth bags at the grocery store.

7)Look on the internet for more extensive lists of these methods.

8)Go outside just to be in nature and appreciate it as it is.

7)Do YOUR part. Keep in mind that you do not have to do anyone else's part or more than one part. Do what YOU can do.

8)CARE.

9)CARE.

10)CARE.