TJIF | Gratitude?
Tell Junipurr It’s Friday!
[Image via Kabo]
Hello there, friend! How are you feeling this Friday after Thanksgiving? Did you feast on food that tasted of family and traditions, or experiment with something new (vegan Thanksgiving! Mukbang over Zoom! Pie And Only Pie!)? Importantly: What did the furbabies eat?! If you do not live in the US, do you have a holiday that has evolved to represent intentional thanks-giving? I’d love to know.
Voilà this week’s animal related gems from around the www + pet parent forum.
Link Pack
This UK pyschological research paper found that, for the 5,926 participants in its study, “animal ownership seemed to mitigate some of the detrimental psychological effects of Covid-19 lockdown.” In the words of Billie Ellish: DUH! ;) But for real, I fully resonate with the connection between having a furbaby - Junipurr - with mental and spiritual wellness during this pandemic.
Speaking of the joy and life lessons animals give us, have you seen the documentary My Octopus Teacher? Since reading The Soul of an Octopus in one breath at San Francisco’s venerable City Lights Bookstore three years ago, I’ve looked at octopuses with a sense of awe. The brilliance and individuality! So, when I came across the trailer for My Octopus Teacher, I was immediately riveted … but also afraid. I have a sneaking suspicion that this documentary will tug, perhaps even crack, the heart. Should I do as Rumi said and let the light in? My dear friend Vivi said yes, so I plan to watch it this weekend. Have you seen it?
On a lighthearted but fun note, did you know that you can donate your leftover pumpkins to pigs (and chickens)? According to this Treehugger article, some communities are hosting pumpkin drives for the animals in local small farms and shelters. Uncarved, whole pumpkin is best, though carved (as long as it’s in good condition and has no wax etc.) might be acceptable too. #PumpkinDriveForPigs sounds like my kind of autumn activity!
Community Discussion Prompt:
My feelings towards Thanksgiving this year have been more complex than ever before, and the general crazy of 2020 is just one part of it. On the one hand, it’s one of my favorite days of the year, because a celebration in gratitude feels good for the soul. On the other hand, the global suffering! Also, Gather, the documentary about a “growing movement among Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty” has been on my mind. Gratitude is in part honoring the full history and the present, I suppose. This year, to who or for what have you deepened your gratitude? My list includes Junipurr, my human family, and the extended community of people who contribute to animal welfare and who model living in harmony with nature.
p.s. If you are new (welcome!) or it’s been a minute, please check out the Community Discussion Guidelines & chime in!
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