Twenty five years ago I learned to meditate because I really wanted to feel loved. I keep up my practice because I found what I was looking for, and so much more than that. 

Meditation has helped me to live a more meaningful and purposeful life. I have developed more and more confidence in myself and have found courage to speak my heart and mind, even when it isn't what others think or believe. I have become soul-centered, and an activist for peace for all. I have woken up to the wonder and beauty of this creation, and I wish that for you too.

Though sometimes I wish I were still sitting still on my zafu in a black robe in the monastery's zendo immersed in the silence of meditation, it was only by getting off the mat and leaving the zendo was I able to take action and see that indeed, I have become more empowered and free. 

At the end of last month I was co-facilitating a Women's Writing & Meditation Retreat in Idaho at a wildlife sanctuary, the Earthfire Institute, which provides a safe haven for animals large and small. 

It was raining when my husband Marty and I first arrived at this humble place, down a long dirt road. We were greeted by a man who introduced himself as Jean (with a french pronunciation, more like Jon) who we later realized was a resident animal whisperer and trainer. Marty spent a little more time with him and had a chance to meet the resident animals before leaving me there for the weekend. 

Jean is fearless when walking into the cage with a grizzly bear, and hanging out with the mountain lion and soothes a wild wolf like no one. He says he becomes the animal he's with and communicates with them in their language.  Marty says about Jean that "he's in such as concentrated state of present moment awareness that when he is interacting with and touching this large, wild animals, his presence has a visceral heart-opening effect on anyone who is witnessing it."

Shortly, Susan, the director, came out of a small cabin and greeted me in the rain in her full length trench coat. I hugged her feeling as if I had known this woman for years. For the last decade and a half she has offered every waking moment to the care and feeding of the beautiful, kind creatures in her charge... the fox, deer, wolves, goats, grizzlies and brown bears, and so many other beauties.... she calls them her family and has given each one a name.

I, too, am an advocate for animals, and this woman was someone I wanted to learn from. Walking together, she and I stopped to meet Pimpernel, a slender coyote pacing in her cage. She soon relaxed enough to let me scratch her just above her tail. It was joyous! We headed to the retreat yurt and we both sensed something powerful was happening that weekend. And it did. At least for me, and as far as I know, for all the women there. 

As the women arrived, the American bison, what you probably know as a buffalo, Nima came close and circled the yurt greeting us with her gentle snorts. Bluebell, the older gal, was hiding in her shelter avoiding the rain. The next day, when the rain cleared up, they sat next to the yurt as if to keep watch on our activities. 

Throughout the weekend, we wrote, meditated, communed with each other, and spent time with the creatures that call Earthfire home. What a sweet experience to be in an environment where wild animals feel safe and relaxed, and where we humans feel safe and open enough to discover the warmth, depth, mischief, and compassion that each animal wants to show toward their world and us, their human relatives. It was a rare opportunity and powerful experience. 

For many years, I have been facilitating retreats where people explore their potential and personal challenges, transforming their relationship to themselves. 

This retreat provided us with a different kind of awakening. It was one where each of us awoke to the vital importance of creating a peaceful relationship to all who share this earth, and find reverence for all species, not just other humans. We found that bison love healing touch, and the three-legged deer, Runs Like the Wind, likes to dance! He danced with me!

 

We woke up to the importance of taking care of our home, the earth. We woke up to our own commitment to be more mindful in our consumerism. We woke up to the importance of preserving the wild forests, grasslands, rivers, and mountains where we live and where the animals near us know as home. We woke up to the wonder and beauty of the creatures that share the earth with us.

I became clear that I am going to use my talents to support leaders, activists, and impassioned changemakers like Susan and Jean in whatever way I can so they can maintain the strength and resolve that they need to do the work they are called to do. I am unveiling the new Lead Awake mindful leadership and advocacy program designed to address issues that arise as each of us step into our power, and take action in whatever arena we are called: whether at home, at our workplace, or in the world. Stay tuned for more information on this. 

In the case of Earthfire, Susan confided that it takes constant fundraising to care of those in her charge, amounting to $20,000 a month. This is what it takes to keep these animals housed, fed, socialized, clean, and safe. Susan is one of my heroes. I couldn't imagine even being able to find those funds each and every month. I was committed to help her. I invite you to see the reason she started the sanctuary here. Warning: it may bring you to tears.   

In July in the Teton Valley the Tin Cup Challenge takes place. It's a fundraising drive for area nonprofits where every donation is matched with an additional 50%. I decided to donate 100% of the proceeds of the retreat to Earthfire so they could finish the pools for the bears. See a video of that here. My husband was so moved, he donated twice as much. I was very happy. 

I encourage you to donate to Susan's work. I feel it's so important to support those who champion the wild ones and give voice to those those who can't. Please help her to sustain her sanctuary. Check out the Tin Cup Challenge here, or call 208-354-0230 to donate. If you donate $15 or more, send me a note with your address, and I'll send you a signed copy of my book, Soul Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation. 

With love,