Thumper: He doesn't walk very good, does he?
Mrs. Rabbit: Thumper!
Thumper: Yes, mama?
Mrs. Rabbit: What did your father tell you this morning?
Thumper: [clears throat] If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all.

                                                    
So, I have this question. Is it really necessary to share your personal belief with someone if in fact it is counter to their own? Is there really such thing as healthy debate if both parties don't wish to participate? What if that person never solicited your debate or asked for your personal opinion? What if they are just sharing something that they find interesting or something they believe in (or disagree with for that matter) simply just to share? Is there some ego need being fulfilled when we interject our opinion without being asked for it? Or maybe it is just that we automatically assume that if someone is talking about something, they are expecting our response?

I bring this up because I've found myself missing some of my favorite bloggers that used to participate way back when Zaadz was just a seedling. I wondered to myself why some of my first friends here just don't write anymore. When I've had the chance to finally ask them about it there were the general responses that we are all very busy, we're using our lives to contribute to the bigger whole, that the novelty of blogging has worn off, etc...... all understandable reasons. What really confuses me though is that many have said that they quit sharing simply because they didn't meet a warm reception to their words.

This has come from more than three people now. Some catching slack for something they truly were excited about and wanted to share. Some being confronted with some sort of retortion of thier beliefs even though they did not request feedback in their blog. Be it disbelief in The Law of Attraction, the Da Vinci Code, a particular habit or lifestyle, whatever. It even goes so far as for women to recieve sexual comments about material that is not remotely sexual. I can speak from experience on this particular advance, having erased more than a few sexually connotated comments.

Granted, this doesn't only happen in Zaadzland. There are no real rules of conduct when it comes to properly responding to a persons blog. Some might argue that their retortion is simple opening conversation about alternate views. Some might propose that the author get a "thicker skin" and stand in their personal truth regardless of what others think (or say) of them.  Possibly the author should shut the opponant down and say that their retortion was not solicited and thus not welcome. Some might even suggest that the person turn off the comments function of their blog and write away, devoid of any nay-saying back lash.

I guess for me though, I see Zaaadz as a sanctuary, a place where all humans can come and be themselves, stand in their truth and trust that they are safe from judgement in all forms. I imagine it a place of unconditional love and acceptence. I sort of liken it to going to yoga class. Were someone in class casually speaking of their own personal experience with a particular religion let's say, most of us would not speak across the room and express our disbelief in the whole dogmatic affair. We would simply respect their place in life and sit quietly in our own understanding, trusting that we all uniquely make up this perfect journey. Should not the same respect be applied to the comments function here at Zaadz?

I understand that many in the group truly enjoy a good philosophical debate. They find great pleasure in comparing and contrasting and standing strong for their truth. I also know that there are equally as many people who prefer to live in harmony and peace and are content just to be, without having to defend their personal position. Just knowing what they know and being content within themselves is enough. The later (myself included) tend to avoid confrontation even to the point that we will leave a energetically elevated environment to protect our own personal vibration. Neither is right or wrong. Neither is better or worse. We need both for balance on this great planet of ours.

So what can we do here at Zaadz to ensure that we don't lose anymore of our dear friends over silly debate or disrespectful comments? Part of "being the change" may start with the very simple act of, as Shiri Sai Baba suggests, asking ourselves, "Is what I have to say kind, necessary, true, and does it improve on the silence?" I tend to subscribe to the wisdom of Thumper's papa: "If You Can't Say Something Nice. Don't Say Anything At All."

Any one else have an approach that seems to work?

The carnivores at Ol' Mc Shelly's Farm do enjoy a celebration. In gratitude for all they bring to the world they were served their own special Circle of Life Pet Foods feast this morning. The reviews were a resounding "Four Paws Up" so I decided to pass the recipe along.

Circle of Life Cran-Turkey and Stuffing

2-1/2- lbs Very finely ground raw, humanely-raised, hormone and anti-biotic free whole turkey thighs  (If using ground turkey meat only, a calcium source will need to be added)

4 oz. Organic Chicken Liver or Giblets

1/4- cup Organic Pureed Sweet Potato, Yam or Pumpkin

1 slice Finely Crumbled Sprouted Organic Whole Grain Bread (Stuffing)

2- Raw Cage-free Egg Yolks

2 cups water

2 Tbls Brewers Yeast

2000mg Taurine

2-3 Tbls Organic Cranberry Juice or Finely Chopped Organic Cranberries

1 Tbls Finely Chopped Fresh Organic Parsley

3/4 Tsp Iodized Salt or Sea Salt


Bless with love and serve! Makes Approx. (15-20) average kitty servings so they will get to have left overs too (unless you share with the homeless kitties in the neighborhood....hint). If your kitties are "carb-free" as the kitties in the wild are, just leave out the veggies and bread. My kitties enjoy having the added carbs as a treat from time to time so they get this full recipe on special occasions only. Otherwise they eat as their wild ancestors do. The meat is raw so be sure to handle accordingly.

Doggies love this dish too. Larger amounts of yams/pumpkin and 1-2 more slices of bread can be added to their meal. And fear not...... if this all seems too daunting to make on your own, Pay It Forward Pets will have it available for next season's celebration.

Wishing all beings on the planet unlimited peace and love today and everyday.

With love and gratitude for all our friends here at Zaadz,
Shelly and The Farm

What we hear.....




What they really say.......