Elephants Never Forget

I received a beautiful email from my friend, Leslie.  It confirms so many of the traits that I have written about animals over the last several years.  Check out the story, and see if you view animals in the same way.

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Elephants never forget

SOMETHING IN THE UNIVERSE THAT IS MUCH GREATER AND DEEPER THAN HUMAN INTELLIGENCE. THE ELEPHANT'S JOURNEY TO PAY RESPECT, BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW? Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during US invasion in 2003.  On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died. He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons and numerous elephants.  Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs.  Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.  A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House. Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence 's passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way.  Walking slowly - for days - Making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.  So, how after Anthony’s death, did the reserve’s elephants — grazing miles away in distant parts of the park — know?  “A good man died suddenly,” says Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., “and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funereal’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.”  “If there ever were a time, when we can truly sense the wondrous ‘interconnectedness of all beings,’ it is when we reflect on the elephants of Thula Thula. A man’s heart’s stops, and hundreds of elephants’ hearts are grieving. This man’s oh-so-abundantly loving heart offered healing to these elephants, and now, they came to pay loving homage to their friend.”  Lawrence's wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years! But yet they knew where they were going.  The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who'd saved their lives - so much respect that they stayed for 2 days 2 nights without eating anything. Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back .....

Blessings,

Judy

Elephant Power

Several years ago, I was at a conference where a very fascinating lady, called an Animal Whisperer, gave a talk on how we in the audience should be treating all animals as sentient beings.  She said that each animal had a role to play on Earth, and that humans interfered with this natural talent all the time.  She then told us the story of the Elephant.  She was headed to Africa to do some workshops.  As soon as she made the arrangements, she started to dream about a large tusked elephant, in the wild, that wanted her to come and see him (in the wild).  When she got to Africa, she made arrangements with a guide to take her to the place to meet the wild elephant.  She sat on the hood of the jeep and waited.  The elephant arrived at late afternoon.  The following information comes from the wild elephant as he told the story to the Animal Whisperer.

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Elephants were charged with keeping the rhythm steady for the beating of Mother Earth’s heart.  When the world was new, and there were lots of elephants (and whales), this was an easy task.  Now, however, the Elephant has fewer and fewer members of the tribe that can do the work that is passed down through elephant memory.  

Elephant is now looking for other ways to fulfill its commitment to Mother Earth.  Nightly, Elephant walks in Dream TIme, looking for humans that will walk with him and the others in the herd, and learn the ways of the Elephant.  Elephant is not just about being strong; it knocks down trees, and has pushed railroad cars off the railway tracks – it is about being smart and remembering.  Elephant looks for people that are compassionate and kind.  They look for people that have a strong sense of duty.  There is power in having a cause and sticking to it.  Elephant may come to you tonight, or the next night.  

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Welcome him or her, and ask how you can help.  You will become part of Elephant Power.

Many blessings,

Judy