Thank you, David for another powerful reminder of the fragility of peace. Your post makes me pause, put down my coffee (!!) and feel deep gratitude for the quiet, ordinary moments that so many people and animals in conflict zones don’t have. I also look forward to your updates and photos on the amazing organizations that continue their charitable work.🩵🙏✨
Thank you for this reminder about the Precious Human Birth. We really did win the lottery and most of us don’t realize it. I also donated to Vafa Animal Shelter. 🙏❤️
Ah, you have enticed us in, David. You will make a Buddhist out of me yet. Your post is real soul-gym, bringing us at each point into our actual lived experience. Thank you so much for giving me a contemplative morning.
I had a realization as a result of your words. Having your thoughts followed by the Waggly Tail Club was heart-warming. I felt glad that some of my dollars are going for their well-being. It made me realize that the several donations I make at home once a year are in danger of becoming just names on a list. I initially did it so I could ignore all the fund-raising mail during the year; but you made me realize that in doing so I am missing the actual stories of the ills these organizations are addressing as well as the good work they are doing to relieve them. By actually reading these missives they will put me back in touch with the human and animal suffering they report but also with my own compassion and that warm-heartedness that comes with knowing I am doing my own small part to address the suffering of the world and the planet.
What a beautiful response, thank you Diana. We all need to keep our guard against that danger of 'names on a list' of charitable actions, so that our actions remain vivid and meaningful.
Thank you David, a good topic but it seems like the world has been turned upside down.
The Iran war, now spilling into the neighboring states. The Israeli war against Hamas. Hezbollah and the Houties! Russia and Ukraine. Nigeria, Sudan and other places.
Here in SA our government has completely failed. Corruption of the Police and ANC political leaders wasting trillions of Rand. Cuba now suffering, and as for the UK they have seemed to also been turned upside down.
It’s really hard to ignore, and the more SA digs deeper more vicious hatred is being spewed.
Practice is the only way to stay sane if any of us really are sane.
So lovely to see the wagging tails and the good work being put into our beautiful dogs. At least they are going to escape their private hell. I am so happy that there are people there to provide such services.
Thank you for the wonderful article David. It was like a wake up call that we are blessed. We may not be in a war zone, but we can certainly send our Compassion and have gratitude for the lives in comfort that some of us have. Helping the animals in the War zones is certainly a beneficial way of assisting.
Thanks for the update on Twala. The work they do with animals is outstanding and I love the pictures of doggy Tuesday. The happiness of these dogs shines through the pictures. Thank you so much for your words and the great work you are doing for all sentient beings. 🙏
So powerful, David … incredibly valuable reminders… may they sink deeply in my consciousness and continue to remind me of what is… what is helpful… what is possible…
I have often looked back on the fortunate life i have had...growing up with loving parents, having been given a good education, worked in a career that led me to many places around the world, able to visit many cultures. And now in my retirement years i feel so incredibly fortunate to have this life! How fortunate i am indeed. I am always looking for ways to help - sometimes it is financial, sometimes sharing things i have, sometimes its "just" a smile.
Those poor souls that share such a difficult group karma! Bombs going off all hours of the day/night. Bombs killing a school full of children! I am SO fortunate 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you David for your teachings, for offering us opportunities to give, for reminding us of our good fortune.
Hi David. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this subject. My heart and soul are heavy with sadness for what is happening to the world. I am truly blessed and grateful to be able to contribute to your cause and support a few other charities. I am very aware of what impermanance means and will live more in the present. Namaste, blessings to you 🙏 ✨️.
We may also like to consider the 30,000 villages in Iran and the, ( once a third of the population) nomadic tribal people with their sheep, like the migrating Qashqai, the Lur and others.
Since antiquity these people have washed, hand-spun, dyed and woven wonderful unique and personal designs into carpets that we may have the privilege of having under our feet in our homes.
I am in a state of awe and humility at the skill, talent and spirit of the women behind this work.
The suffering is tragic, the destruction of cultural sites is criminal and the continuing harm to a living culture is saddening also.
We are not separated. As Albert Einstein said, "(this is) a kind of optical delusion of one's consciousness.(...)Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.)
...and I would add, within meditation also.
And as you've written most poignantly - Be the change you want to see in the world.
We are not alone and compassionate action in our daily life does makes a difference.
Thank you so much Joan for sharing this. I certainly think about the 90 million inhabitants of Iran. I have only personally met two Iranians, here in Oz. Both educated, intelligent people who were so proud of Persia's impact on Western culture - and so traumatised by the current regime.
Thank you, David. What resonates for me here is the sense that outer conflict always confronts us with an inner choice. We may not be able to stop the violence directly, but we can choose whether we respond from fear or from compassion.
In that sense, these tragedies become a kind of mirror. They show us both the fragility of the human condition and the importance of the quality of our intent. The most meaningful response is not just to feel horrified, but to let that horror deepen our kindness, our gratitude, and our commitment to be less reactive and more loving in how we live.
Thank you, David, for sharing the reality that our lives truly are such gifts. To have been born in a place and time without such horrors as those produced by war is humbling when confronted with the suffering of others less fortunate. The compassionate feelings for those people and animals is a reminder of our oneness, and a nudge of gratitude for our lives. How sweet to see the progress of the animals in the refuge…🫶🏻
Thank you, David for another powerful reminder of the fragility of peace. Your post makes me pause, put down my coffee (!!) and feel deep gratitude for the quiet, ordinary moments that so many people and animals in conflict zones don’t have. I also look forward to your updates and photos on the amazing organizations that continue their charitable work.🩵🙏✨
Thank you so much, Lori, and all those for whom her response resonated. I am so very glad that you found this quite challenging helpful!
Thank you for this reminder about the Precious Human Birth. We really did win the lottery and most of us don’t realize it. I also donated to Vafa Animal Shelter. 🙏❤️
So kind of you, thank you Tracy!
Ah, you have enticed us in, David. You will make a Buddhist out of me yet. Your post is real soul-gym, bringing us at each point into our actual lived experience. Thank you so much for giving me a contemplative morning.
I had a realization as a result of your words. Having your thoughts followed by the Waggly Tail Club was heart-warming. I felt glad that some of my dollars are going for their well-being. It made me realize that the several donations I make at home once a year are in danger of becoming just names on a list. I initially did it so I could ignore all the fund-raising mail during the year; but you made me realize that in doing so I am missing the actual stories of the ills these organizations are addressing as well as the good work they are doing to relieve them. By actually reading these missives they will put me back in touch with the human and animal suffering they report but also with my own compassion and that warm-heartedness that comes with knowing I am doing my own small part to address the suffering of the world and the planet.
What a beautiful response, thank you Diana. We all need to keep our guard against that danger of 'names on a list' of charitable actions, so that our actions remain vivid and meaningful.
Thank you David, a good topic but it seems like the world has been turned upside down.
The Iran war, now spilling into the neighboring states. The Israeli war against Hamas. Hezbollah and the Houties! Russia and Ukraine. Nigeria, Sudan and other places.
Here in SA our government has completely failed. Corruption of the Police and ANC political leaders wasting trillions of Rand. Cuba now suffering, and as for the UK they have seemed to also been turned upside down.
It’s really hard to ignore, and the more SA digs deeper more vicious hatred is being spewed.
Practice is the only way to stay sane if any of us really are sane.
So lovely to see the wagging tails and the good work being put into our beautiful dogs. At least they are going to escape their private hell. I am so happy that there are people there to provide such services.
Long may it last.
Upside down indeed Peter. Thank you for your wise words to navigate through it.
'Practice is the only way to say sane' - how true, Peter!
This post hits home.
My 88 yr old mother fractured her pelvis 10 days ago.
I have been staying in LA (2 hours from where I live), to visit her each day.
The hospital is just east of LAX.
The 3 mile drive from her house to hospital are neighborhoods congested with traffic and mentally ill, drug-addicted, impoverished homeless people.
At night, the news of Iran and other wars, other calamities people and animals are facing.
There can be a mixture of helplessness, sadness, frustration, anger, emotional distancing, relief it is not me, just to mention a few.
Your post inviting going deeper—we are all on the same track, moving out of the forms we inhabit—this can feel sad, but we need not view it that way.
We can flip the switch and realize we are all in this together and perhaps we can find a way to help—from afar, with those nearby, however help looks.
The update from Twala is always a joy!
Thank you David. 🙏💟☮️
Blessings too. Navigating LA traffic and the broken souls along the route invites serious calming practice.
Thank you. You are so right.🙏
Sending blessings to you and your mom, Linda.
Thank you very much, Laurel.
I am so very glad that this post helped you find some greater purpose from, the otherwise unending challenges facing so many , Linda.
Always a pleasure, David.
Always a great reminder, a teaching.
Always inspired to get back on that cushion!!!
With much gratitude, I’m sending my best wishes your way.
Patricia A 🙏🏼😊🙏🏼
Really glad you found this helpful, thank you Patricia!
Thank you for the wonderful article David. It was like a wake up call that we are blessed. We may not be in a war zone, but we can certainly send our Compassion and have gratitude for the lives in comfort that some of us have. Helping the animals in the War zones is certainly a beneficial way of assisting.
Thanks for the update on Twala. The work they do with animals is outstanding and I love the pictures of doggy Tuesday. The happiness of these dogs shines through the pictures. Thank you so much for your words and the great work you are doing for all sentient beings. 🙏
Always a joy to hear from you, thanks Pamela!
So powerful, David … incredibly valuable reminders… may they sink deeply in my consciousness and continue to remind me of what is… what is helpful… what is possible…
Deep gratitude with teary eyes..🙏🏽💕
I am so grateful that this struck a chord with you, Margaret.
I have often looked back on the fortunate life i have had...growing up with loving parents, having been given a good education, worked in a career that led me to many places around the world, able to visit many cultures. And now in my retirement years i feel so incredibly fortunate to have this life! How fortunate i am indeed. I am always looking for ways to help - sometimes it is financial, sometimes sharing things i have, sometimes its "just" a smile.
Those poor souls that share such a difficult group karma! Bombs going off all hours of the day/night. Bombs killing a school full of children! I am SO fortunate 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you David for your teachings, for offering us opportunities to give, for reminding us of our good fortune.
May all beings have peace 🙏🙏🙏
It is really special and empowering that this gratitude feels so real to you, Marianne! Thank you for sharing!
We are …of rare good fortune…thanks for the reminder David.
My sincere thanks to you, Tom! Glad this resonated.
Hi David. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this subject. My heart and soul are heavy with sadness for what is happening to the world. I am truly blessed and grateful to be able to contribute to your cause and support a few other charities. I am very aware of what impermanance means and will live more in the present. Namaste, blessings to you 🙏 ✨️.
Lovely to hear from you with such a beautiful response, thank you Rebecca!
Indeed David,
how fortunate we are.
We may also like to consider the 30,000 villages in Iran and the, ( once a third of the population) nomadic tribal people with their sheep, like the migrating Qashqai, the Lur and others.
Since antiquity these people have washed, hand-spun, dyed and woven wonderful unique and personal designs into carpets that we may have the privilege of having under our feet in our homes.
I am in a state of awe and humility at the skill, talent and spirit of the women behind this work.
The suffering is tragic, the destruction of cultural sites is criminal and the continuing harm to a living culture is saddening also.
We are not separated. As Albert Einstein said, "(this is) a kind of optical delusion of one's consciousness.(...)Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.)
...and I would add, within meditation also.
And as you've written most poignantly - Be the change you want to see in the world.
We are not alone and compassionate action in our daily life does makes a difference.
Thankyou David.
Thank you so much Joan for sharing this. I certainly think about the 90 million inhabitants of Iran. I have only personally met two Iranians, here in Oz. Both educated, intelligent people who were so proud of Persia's impact on Western culture - and so traumatised by the current regime.
Amen!
Thank you, David. What resonates for me here is the sense that outer conflict always confronts us with an inner choice. We may not be able to stop the violence directly, but we can choose whether we respond from fear or from compassion.
In that sense, these tragedies become a kind of mirror. They show us both the fragility of the human condition and the importance of the quality of our intent. The most meaningful response is not just to feel horrified, but to let that horror deepen our kindness, our gratitude, and our commitment to be less reactive and more loving in how we live.
That feels to me like the real spiritual work.
What an exquisitely written response, Lloyd, framed with such sensitivity. It is a privilege to walk the path with you.
Love what you said
Absolutely.
Every day is a reminder for being grateful of what I have.
So true, thank you for sharing this, Karen!
Thank you, David, for sharing the reality that our lives truly are such gifts. To have been born in a place and time without such horrors as those produced by war is humbling when confronted with the suffering of others less fortunate. The compassionate feelings for those people and animals is a reminder of our oneness, and a nudge of gratitude for our lives. How sweet to see the progress of the animals in the refuge…🫶🏻
My heartfelt thanks for your beautiful message, Sharyn!
"our lives represent those of the rarest good fortune"
Even on our worst days - we have so much to be thankful for 🙏🏽🥰 xoxo
Twila's Updates are always so fulfilling to see... 🥰🐾 xoxo
Delighted that this struck a chord with you, Lynn!