The Non-Human World

My book club read West with Giraffes this month. While I only made it to page 25 before deciding this novel was not for me, I love the epigraph by Anatole France as well as the true story the book’s based on. France said, “Until one has loved an animal, part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

In this period of the Sixth Mass Extinction, as it is known, our ability to love animals—giraffes and whales as well as cats and dogs—is enormously important to the survival of the planet and our own human awakening. The more we can focus our attention on the universe and our connection to the non-human world, the more human we become, the more soulful we become.

This isn’t about romanticizing alligators and grizzly bears. Instead it has to do with what Martin Buber described as an I-thou relationship. When we come into the presence of the other, says Buber, we have a depth encounter with the sacred—whether that other is another human being, another species, a tree or star.

Rachel Carson understood well that our connection to the non-human world makes us more empathetic, more soulful. She says, “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” And we certainly live in a time when we are in need of less taste for destruction.

What non-human creature is awakening your spirit right now? Is there an animal that keeps showing up in your dreams, books or daily life? What message of hope, courage or insight does that animal spirit have to offer you? I hope you’ll take a little time this week to reflect on that, and maybe even write an ode or eco-poem in tribute to a beloved animal that is awakening your soul.

And take a moment, if you feel moved to, to share your reflection with me. It would be a joy to hear from you.

Yours in spirit,

Sandra

P.S. If you are finding inspiration in this newsletter, please share it with a friend who might also find it inspiring.