An Apology

While visiting Alaska I met so many extraordinary, beautiful, wonderful people, who I will write more about, but today I will let this man speak for himself.

I received the following email from him...

Dear Cate:

As a reward for listening to one of the (looong....) lectures on Mind/Body Healing, I have been periodically treating myself to little tours through your blogspot. What fun! I confess a real weakness for buckskins. I swear, Paisley looks as if she is looking right into my soul. I love your horses, large and small.

But then I came across The Cruelty of Equestrian Sport. This really bothered me. As a member of the human race I was embarrassed and ashamed how we, as a specie, treat other living beings. It was Wednesday and we were having a service that evening. I normally do not attend the Wednesday service but there is opportunity for meditation prior, so I went. I meditated for an hour or so and then just prayed. What came up for me was that it is not right that I do nothing. But what can I do? I decided that an apology is in order. I know it does not seem like much, but it is something one guy in Alaska can do now, in this very moment. So here goes:

To: All horses who have ever been harmed or hurt in any manner by human beings, to all horses who are now being hurt or harmed by human beings, and to all horses who may be hurt or harmed in the future by human beings.  

 From: Don Fleming, member of the human race.

I apologize for all of the cruelty and pain and agony that my specie has heaped upon you since the beginning of time. There is no excuse for our ignorance, lack of compassion or lack of understanding. Please know your beauty and magnificence is cherished. As a creation of God, the Living Spirit Almighty, you are loved beyond measure. I am ashamed at the way we have treated you. I am sorry for all of the cruelty, pain and agony we have created. I am so very sorry. I apologize.

Well, that's it for now. Thank you so much for creating such an exciting site.

Love,

Don

On the 17th, at the Alaska Center For Spiritual Living, my friend Gentle Thunder offered an evening of musical prayer and inspiration. It was powerfully transformational and a deep spiritual journey for all who attended.

Don and I met that afternoon while setting up for this event. He is not a horseman but has always admired horses, and, it seems to me, with a pure heart. I am deeply touched by his words and wanted to share them here.

Thank you Don, from me, from everyone who loves, and from all of the Horses.