Welcome Dear Subscriber
This is our first Voices for Change newsletter, and I am delighted that you are here taking part in this action to listen. So often it is us humans that not only create problems but also think we are the only ones who can come up with solutions. Voices for Change looks at where we are at, the state of things within our beautiful ecosystems and natural world and finding solutions from the perspectives of non-human life – land animals, birds, marine life, reptiles and whoever else shows up to share their take on things. We’re not doing very well on our own, it is time to listen and act on what other Earth inhabitants have to say. This is about getting out of our own way to recognize that we are not the only ones with intelligence and language and ability to problem solve.
This is an exciting adventure to our shared future, and I am so glad you have chosen to be part of it.
The Story
I have just returned from Scotland and am delighted by how many wild species came into my sight and hearing. Whether Red Squirrel or Ptarmigan, each encounter was a treasured moment. On our last day we opened our hearts to Dolphin. A few months earlier we had gone to see them, but the weather was rough and we had no sightings. This time the afternoon was sunny. As evening came so did several dolphins, delighting all who saw them dip and dive. Unexpectedly a different head surfaced not far from where we stood. Seal! Looking through binoculars enabled a clearer observation of this one’s beauty. The wonderful, mottled fur, almost as a leopard of the sea.
To my heart’s horror as Seal dipped under water two or three men standing nearby, not noticing Seal, started throwing stones across the waves to where Seal was. Not with bad intent. Just the boy in them playing skim stones. Enough though to rattle my heart with fierce protection for Seal. The timing of all this was not by chance. It was as though Seal wanted me to see that these things happen. I called over to them, ‘Be aware, there is a Seal in the water!’ Unaware, they continued their game. I could feel anger stirring and was working to calm myself before speaking to them again when I was happily saved the task by another in their group, a woman, who told them to stop. They did, and soon left.
Although the sea didn’t stir with Seal again my heart certainly did.
This communication with Seal took the form of Seal drawing my awareness to a situation and to my own response to that. Which then led to my information gathering, which then led to a deeper heart communication with Seal for their wisdom on the matter. Seal gave me a clear and simple problem with a solution during this communication. However, I also come across other problems and solutions during my research and share some of them with you here.
Problems
Key issues affecting Seals currently – which you may well already be familiar with - include attention being drawn to them through social media. Although often well-meaning and celebratory, people frequently seem unaware that sharing locations of sightings draws more people. All wanting not only their own sighting but their own picture to post on social platforms. And all this human presence, often far too close and noisy, leads to Seals experiencing stress. Which, if there are pups around, can lead to abandonment and inevitable death of the cute pup whose photo is being sought.
Then there are collisions. Whether skim stones or boats, collisions cause injuries - some minor, some fatal.
Another big problem for seals is human induced water pollution affecting both marine anatomy and habitat. Sometimes this is water we flush into the sea, polluted with sewage and other toxic substances. Sometimes it is plastics. Micro plastics and fibres are ingested, messing up everything from healthy digestion to hormonal balance and growth. I went on to investigate how to stop micro fibres in our synthetic clothes passing through washing machine filtration systems and into water sources such as rivers and oceans. It seems there is something of a reluctance in passing legislation and / or implementing available filter technology into washing machines. It is possible to buy and install a micro plastic filter to washing machine drainage but the equipment fits to the side of washing machines and is too large for most homes which are designed for washing machines to be slotted into quite a tight space. Guppy bags are another option. A gulp at the price, but then the oceans and marine life are priceless!
Larger plastics in the form of discarded fishing nets, human consumer debris and beach toys can entangle and strangle marine life. And this is what Seal brought to my immediate attention to work with. To “litter pick plastics.”
Solution Suggestions
With all this information now in my awareness, I needed to again find my quiet connection with Seal to listen to their wisdom.
What was shared with me by Seal is to litter pick, especially plastics. To simply go out, beach comb with the intent to clear up our rubbish and dispose of it so it doesn’t return to bother marine life. If you have access to coastal areas and beaches you could join an organised beach clean or go out with friends. Even just by yourself you can litter pick on the beach. If it’s not your litter – so what? You’re a human and the litter is caused by humans. We have to take responsibility for being a member of a pretty inconsiderate species and turn the tide from blame to responsibility somehow. Main thing is get the trash out of the way of marine life! Whether in a group or alone, just do it.
When we get frustrated with the thoughtlessness of others, as I did with the men being boys playing skim stones, we can dissipate this emotion and take the lesson of ‘play’ to heighten our awareness rather than dumbing it down. That way we can do our best to be of assistance to wildlife. Like many of us I love to ‘play’ on the beach. The litter picking game is good ‘play’ for all life.
There’s a social entreprise called Waterhaul based in Cornwall who collect discarded fishing nets, recycle them and sell them on as litter picking equipment. Useful litter pickers which can also be used inland too I’m thinking. In the woodland walks near me there are far too many plastic dog poo bags discarded in the hedgerows. Not to mention the discarded snack wrappers from walkers. After all, the huge majority of plastics on the beach have come from inland water sources. Picking it up before it enters rivers seems a good plan. Always ensure it is disposed with non-recyclable waste so that it doesn’t re-enter the water cycle.
A simple, practical, underrated task is litter picking. Essentially, we need to clean up after ourselves. My kit has arrived very promptly in completely plastic-free postage wrapping. Here it is. Along with a litter picker is a hoop to hold litter collection bags, and recycled from boat sails (yes, they too are plastic) a reusable collection bag. @waterhaul.co
Before you start any solution task take a few moments to feel your connection through your feet with Mother Earth. Open your awareness to the wisdom light that pours down like nectar from the stars into our hearts. Ask for love to assist you with these solution tasks as you act on behalf of all individuals who will benefit, whatever their species.
Other thoughts
Cleaning water to strip it of pollutants isn’t something you and I can do with ease. Although I do suggest you explore the work of people such as Veda Austin to discover how you may use intent to minimise the negative impact of pollutants in water.
Also, it is worth diving into the Ho’oponopono prayer for water, the oceans, for all marine life, for our relationship with the oceans, ourselves and all life. If you are not familiar with this, the internet is full of suggestions. Choose wisely, look for something authentic from Hawaii. Look out for names such as Dr Huw Len and Morrnah Simeona.
With love, act.
With soul, seed a lionhearted future for all.
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