Submitted by Martha Werman

Recently, our organization has renewed its commitment to act on our values in the community at large.  My inspiration lately for this is from a recent speech by the Dalai Lama which appears in the film “I AM” (viewable online). If you see it, you too will be inspired.

The Dalai Lama was asked:  “What is the best thing we can do (considering the critical events now happening world wide)?”

His response:

“Critical thinking followed by action.   Discern what your world is.  Know the plot of this human drama, and then figure out where your talents might fit in to make a better world.  Each of us must do something that makes our heart sing, because nobody will want to do it with us if we’re not passionate and inspired.”
“Remember, change comes about as a result of millions of tiny acts.  The power of one is very strong – just do something! There’s no such thing as a tiny act:  you see this in the way you greet someone, in the joy you experience when in nature, in being with family, friends, and strangers. IT ALL MATTERS”

The science is clear: compassion and cooperation exist in the animal world. Our cells and those of animals are related.   We all have the capacity for compassion and cooperation.

We truly have the power to change the world.