I've lived with three Zen masters in my life and they were all cats. Lord help me to be half the man my dog thinks I am. He who plants a garden plants happiness. - Chinese Proverb

A pet, wild animal, house plant or forest is not a Spiritual Tool. Each is a conscious living entity. But nurturing these beings can evolve into a ritual of Spiritual Growth, a heartfelt responsibility and a lasting joy.

I seek to share the intricate Wonder of Nature. Her depths are renowned over time and across cultures. Her restorative powers humble the ego. I spoke last night with a friend who will today experience the Grand Canyon for the first time. Several times during his trip he called in tear-eyed wonder at the awesome beauty of the American West. It is beyond words. But I have also experienced a profound sense of wonder at the diminutive perfection of the common housefly. All our science cannot take one apart and put it back together - nor should we try.

When I go from witness to participant I begin to exercise spiritual muscles. When I groom a pet, water a plant, fill a bird feeder or pick up trash along the forest path, I get out of self and into service. Nurturing shifts the emphasis toward giving.

The world will give for just so long to a taker but freely to a giver to enhance and pass along.