For many years, i have encouraged people to be sensitive and aware… whole and deeply perceptive. And now we are living in a world that — because of man — is rapidly becoming more degenerated, immoral, dishevelled, and contaminated. There is more ineptitude, mental stagnation, and environmental waste and indifference. Some of my aware readers — who have been very close to nature, being more at-one with nature than most — have become heartbroken over the abuse and extinction of animals in the environment. For instance, some areas of Michigan are exterminating (with gas) Canada Geese rather than relocating them. Also, a myriad of animals (worldwide) are going extinct due to insane manmade environmental changes.
Regarding such instances, one feels that it would be prudent to act (and do what we can to help regarding these situations). Additionally, one must not allow these occurrences to cause one to be overly depressed or sullen. One must — despite the outer moral chaos — maintain one’s integrity, inner joy, and light. The light of wisdom is not easily extinguished by manmade, fragmentary darkness. We must live in this craziness but not be of it. We must investigate deeply into the root cause of the disorder. Please do not let the light of goodness be extinguished by the jaded and crooked.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
You know Tom, this statement is spot on: …now we are living in a world that — because of man — is rapidly becoming more degenerated, immoral, dishevelled, and contaminated. 😫 This is not the time to roll over and play dead.
And I concur with your call to arms: Please do not let the light of goodness be extinguished by the jaded and crooked. Don’t be lured in or distracted by the distractions and the distractors! 😱
Yes, Kym, we are at a critical time when people have to stand up for their rights, for goodness, and freedom.
From Walt Whitman:
THOUGHT
OF obedience, faith, adhesiveness; as I stand aloof and look there is to me something profoundly
affecting in large masses of men following the lead of those
who do not believe in men.
Beautiful photo and message. Thank you, Tom. Not always easy, but I decided a long time ago that I would not let the negative actions of others, extinguish my light, or turn me into them.
Thanks, and you were blessed with a very wise decision, Michelle! 😊
We nature lovers band together, across the miles, to rejoice in nature and pity the wildlife and wildflowers that will suffer because of some who have lost the ability to care about anything but themselves. Earth Day is not just one day a year – it should be every day. The plight of these geese here in Michigan hurts my heart. It is cruel and heartless. I am glad I once enjoyed four distinct seasons and can remember how birds and animals were respected – our fellow beings.
Yes, they are our fellow beings in life’s incredible journey. And Geese and many birds, for example, are very loyal to each other (and intelligent). Crows even band together in a funeral-homage-tribute kind of ceremony for deceased crows. They can solve multi- step cognitive problems. And they don’t kill each other in mindless wars (concerning fragmentary ideas).
The winds are unnatural and endless here is Illinois these days.
Most people don’t stop to notice just how loyal and intelligent birds are, considering them lesser beings. There was a wonderful video not long ago about a pair of swans being reunited after one was injured and rehabbed for a short time. When it was released from rehab, its mate which had hovered nearby during its absence was there and they literally ran (not waddled) to one another, wings flapping and honking their gladness. It brought tears to my eyes. I have heard about crows mourning their deceased brethren. People call birds “bird brains” which is such a misnomer.
Here is that video if you’ve not seen it Tom. I thought they were Trumpeter Swans – the joy of being reunited.
P.S. – These flowers are blooming wildly – the ant does not know where to amble first. 🙂
Those swans are such magical, loyal, and intelligent creatures! 😊
I really liked that video Tom. They were so in tune with seeing one another again, the rest of the world stood still while they got re-acquainted. People should learn about loyalty from watching them.
Splendid post… words and photos!
Much appreciated, Nicole! 😊
Beautifully written! We humans can do take care of our environment. Beautiful photo 😊
Thank you, Priti. 😊 We humans need to do much better regarding improving man’s impact on the environment.
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“We must live in this craziness but not be of it.” Your whole piece is filled with such truths, Tom. Yet this one line, encapsulates it well.