Becoming Sensitive to Beings Living in the Elements

In any case, it’s appropriate to become sensitive to the beings who live in the elements and to ask for their permission and good-will before making changes to their habitats. And after we have made changes, we should thank those beings who have been affected. We are only one species surrounded by innumerable other sentient beings of various types, all of whom wish to be happy and free of suffering.

Developing this sensitivity and compassion is part of our growth and is a step toward recognizing that the planet is alive and sacred, that the elements are not just resources but are fundamental aspects of a living universe.

Living in harmony with the natural world is not only a matter of our survival. We know of many species now facing extinction due to the advances of the modern world. And there are many others about which we know nothing who are also being harmed by us. Not all of them are without defenses, but certainly none of them deserves extinction at our hands.