09/02/2026
This week's message from our Compassionate Choices group:
Saving Humanity Means Acting Humanely to All Beings
We talk about saving humanity as though humans stand apart from the rest of life. We do not. Our future depends on healthy forests, oceans, soil, climate, and the countless animals who help sustain these systems. When we destroy their homes or treat living beings as disposable, we damage the very world that keeps us alive. This raises a deeper moral question: What are we trying to save if our vision of humanity leaves no room for compassion beyond our own species? Orangutans, elephants, pigs, cows, birds, and other animals experience fear, pain, comfort, attachment, and a desire to live. Their lives matter to them, even when we have learned to view them as property, products, entertainment, or obstacles. Protecting animals is not a distraction from human problems; it is part of addressing them. The same mindset that permits cruelty toward animals can also justify environmental destruction, abuse of power, and exploiting the vulnerable for profit. A truly humane society should be measured not only by its wealth, technology, or power, but by how it treats those who cannot speak for themselves. Saving humanity begins with acting humanely—by widening our circle of compassion to include ALL beings. We must recognize that this planet does not belong to us alone.
Affirmative Prayer: Together let us heal the wounds humanity has caused to nature, each other, and the animals. We see all of us awakening to our true radiance and to our higher consciousness. We see us all becoming bringers of light and love. We see all beings full of joy and free. We see compassion encircling the Earth for all beings everywhere - Excepted from Homo Ahimsa by Judy Carman
For help in making meaningful change for animals, humans, and our planet, check out A Handy Guide to a Plant-Based Diet: https://www.farmsanctuary.org/handy-guide-to-plant-based-diet/
Registration is now open for this year's Whole Planet Spirituality Forum and Retreat. To learn more visit:
https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
