The Unitarian theme for this month is “Widening the Circle of Love”. This got me thinking about love and how in my book, Why Love Heals, I attempted to define what love is and how it could literally heal, such as I concluded in my research with cancer.
In a word, I concluded that love could be defined as compassion. In two words, harmonious action. In the end I described love as the natural, inherent energy and “glue” that flows through and connects everything in the universe.
Everything is connected. Quantum physics has now given us the science to understand this truth. That’s when I got to thinking about the idea that the earth belongs to everyone and the need for respecting and caring for all of life.
Recently I read an article from the Harvard Law Review about the rights of nature and rights of animals. Currently, seven countries have legally recognized the rights of nature, including the U.S. (although usually on a local or tribal level, or the rights of ecosystems through local legislation or ordinances). The article concluded that the “Rights of nature call for some major changes in the way that humans live in the world” and the “Rights of animals impact fundamental questions such as what humans eat and drink, what they wear and what kinds of entertainment they engage in, to name just a few.”
The Bible proposes that humankind has “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that crept upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26-28). One interpretation of these verses is that when God gave humanity dominion over the animals, it was in order to care for, tend to, and use those animals to their fullest potential in a just manner.
This contrasts with other Biblical statements and the fact that all major religions believe that we are one with God, and that “God is no respecter of persons.” Dominion means rule or power over. God rules over no one. God (love, Source, the life Force, Qi, or by whatever other name) is in all equally. All are “precious in His/Her sight.” We are all gods and sons and daughters of the Most High. We are all a thread in a grand scale tapestry. What happens if you pull a thread?
Surely it is within reason to believe that nature has the intrinsic right to exist and deserves protection. Yet populations of animals have declined 70% since the 1970’s due to climate change, which is human – caused, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and the warming of the planet. The mining of coal, natural gas, and oil has exploited the earth for personal or corporate gain with great disdain for nature, animal rights, and human well-being.
Corporations have been granted “personhood”, and believe and practice that what is best for profits and shareholders is equally or more important than what is best for humanity, the environment, etc. Even our regulatory agencies charged with serving and protecting the public have become corporate, profit, and power controlled. A very sad example of this is how our healthcare system ranks last among all industrial countries. An even more maddening example is how guns have been given greater rights than women and children. And don’t get me started about the overt restriction of voter’s rights – as though one group is more right and deserving than another.
The current black comedy and satire movie, Don’t Look Up, has managed to encapsulate well our inaction in the face of a climate change disaster now facing us all. While the movie swings “from bleakness to silliness to realism,” it is a clear indictment of corporate greed even in the certain fate of world destruction. Hopefully, it helps to heighten our awareness about how a capitalist society often places corporate interests before humanity. What’s it going to take to get this message across?
In what might seem like a huge twist in this narrative so far, I want to conclude by saying that our current greed and self-centeredness is not “wrong”, but to propose that this is a time of great spiritual growth and transition. We are in the process of maturing from war, poverty, discrimination, and environmental destruction – to the maturation of the human species.
We are here for each other, and to give dignity and respect for all of life. We are not here to conquer nature, but to align with and contribute to nature. Our thoughts of “might is right” are an insult to our Divine Nature. Indeed, sin is the denial of our divinity. We are artistic implements of a Divine Artist.
Everyone has gifts to give to the world that contribute to the collective. Everyone. What is your gift? What brings you joy and satisfaction? This is your gift. And this gift-giving brings you more ease and joy, which further allow well-being to flow into so-called miracles and soul-satisfying synchronicities.
There is hope. There is promise. You are not alone. You have one foot in the physical, but always have the other foot in the spiritual realm. Fear is a natural response to life-threatening challenges, but even fear is part of Spirit’s perfect plan for our spiritual growth.
I have been assured in my many meditations and channeled conversations that Spirit guidance and assistance are always given with great love. There are no mistakes. Pray and meditate and trust this guidance. All is well. Peace will follow. Have great gratitude for this knowing. It’s all alright!
Turn off the T.V. when bad news appears. Be positive. Find humor. Listen to music. Get out into nature! Widen your circle of love. All is God/Source manifesting in form. The earth belongs to everyone.
Nature is the purest form of love. Nature and nature’s beauty are a stunning example of how we can all live together in perfect harmony. There is no animosity in any form of nature. Everything is one whole and intimately connected. Indeed, wholeness could be defined as being one with nature. Love for all of life and respect for others’ rights and dignity (no matter who and what they are) is ultimately all we need.
