“We have the blessing of consciousness and sentience. Expressing gratitude as often as possible is a good step in the right direction. Recognizing how blessed we are, we can then intentionally direct our thoughts, speech, and actions towards the greater good. We take part in needless waste, we cause needless suffering to other sentient beings, we foolishly see ourselves as separate from nature. Having become aware of this, we can now choose to avoid causing needless harm. One super powerful way to do this is by making conscious choices about what to buy and how much to consume. We can vote with our purchases, and choose not to support the by-products of animal abuse or environmental degradation. Redirecting our powerful cash flow in this way, we create the world that we want. (vegan, plant-based, cruelty-free, fair-trade, recycled, plastic-free, reused, repurposed, minimal, etc).

This represents an outward focus, which is necessary, and which can be coupled with an inward focus. We can intentionally choose to take care of our own individual health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.) and thus be able to care for and support those around us. Then they can do the same. This way a ripple effect is started in the center of one being, and causes immense benefit to all beings and the entire system. Focusing on joyfully taking care of ourselves and others, letting go of the expectations and eventual results, we can effortlessly walk the path and enjoy the goal in each step. The key is doing it intentionally, joyfully, and for the benefit of all beings!”