Live With Passion

“The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyong reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth, the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only paradise we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need, if only we had the eyes to see.” – Edward Abbey

DSCN5614

Passion can be a tricky thing. It feels good when an exciting, promising new passion arises in one’s life – where with this passion take me? What conversations will I have? What people can I inspire? What change can come of it?

But be careful not to grow weary – passions may grow stale, stagnant, and sometimes die all together (God forbid). Don’t lose heart! Don’t forget how inspired you were to share your thoughts, life, and instigate change in the world. Don’t tire from the negative feedback of others, or the seemingly close-mindedness. Those people will exist…you can’t convince everyone. You can’t expect the change you want to see to become the heart and soul of everyone you share it with. This may take time. The world will catch on in her own way…possibly slower than you’d like…but somewhere along the way, you are making a difference.

We spent an impromptu weekend in the Walbran Valley, surrounded by the rainforest we have grown to love deeper than I ever imagined possible. I swear those trees can talk, and what conversations we have had!

DSCN5597

As we drove to the Walbran, down the never-ending forest service road, I found myself fairly melancholy. Yes, there were the unsightly clear-cuts from years past and (sadly) present, but there was more going on in my tormented heart. I found myself discouraged that while I cared about this gem of a valley, Teal Jones and the government cares about short-term profits and exports. How can I stand against Teal Jones, let alone the government of Canada? I was losing heart. Who am I? My connection to these trees and this alive, thriving eco-system doesn’t hold any weight.

But it does my friends. My seemingly minuscule impact, while a drop in the bucket, is a drop none-the-less. There are people who care deeply…it’s hard to say it, but much more deeply than I! They have fought for this valley for decades. They stopped the logging then, and they continue to fight to stop it now. I am a part of a community who not only “speaks for the trees,” but speaks for the whole eco-system – the animals, plants, fungi, water, fish…air.

I won’t lose heart…not now that I have finally found it. What makes your heart swell?

DSCN5585