In simplistic terms, the driving force of nature is to ensure the replication of DNA and life as humans know & define it ... biodiversity ensures more opportunity for the survival of life. Because of our human actions, the world as we know it is changing & may change drastically... such as, life may be reduced to microscopic forms. But DNA/ life/ world-at-large will likely survive.

Placing ethical, spiritual, moral, religious beliefs and convictions aside for a moment, in simplistic terms we are threatening our own human survival as we threaten the world as we know it. We need the earth's resources to live & we are part of the biodiversity that exists alongside those sea turtles. This is a great point that you're making, Jay- it may be the unifying fact that all humans may hopefully see.

When we also consider those ethical, spiritual, moral & religious beliefs regarding nature, life, other humans- WOW. We have even more reason to live better for the planet, and ultimately ourselves.

beautiful post, Brooks.

wow, a really timely piece for me.... thanks SO much!!!

love it. wholeheartedly.

awesome, and so inspiring!!

**Bill,
I think this is a new favorite article for me, including the comments it stimulated. Lineage has been a bit daunting for me as I learn more about Buddhism (also in yoga traditions it can overwhelm me). A teacher that a student resonates with is extremely important to one's path, and I believe part of that is the teacher compelling the student to think and realize for themselves....

"I’m not a Tibetan Buddhist but a first-generation American Buddhist and I never signed up to be a representative of anyone but myself as far as I’m concerned." I love this. And this one, which came from the comments: "When I first started to consider becoming a Buddhist I was relieved that I didn't have to believe in any of the beliefs of my guru but simply consider them worth considering."

I question anything that doesn't allow me to think for myself, actually I appreciate being actively encouraged to consider & think. I loved hearing the Dalai Lama state in "The Buddha" that Buddha himself wanted his followers to not accept his teachings out of devotion, but out of experiment & thought.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts & story with us, Bill, I've really enjoyed this. Looking forward to reading whatever you've got to say about the teaching at Shambhala Center. And many thanks to Elephant Journal for providing this space. It is a unique haven to cherish.

Much peace!
-Elize**

Loved "Stop", looking forward to more of your work!

really great article, thank you

'acceptance is not a one-time deal' ... thanks so much for sharing this.

great post, Lindsay... as a teacher, I think one of the important elements of class is that right balance between safe & challenging for students.... I love Julia's suggestion of sticking to the basic/beginner pose, and have found that when I demonstrate that way, people follow suit... those students who really know/can go deeper into a pose do so on their own, but the majority of students often follow my lead. knowing that people are truly following my example is humbling and weight-y, and I have struggled with knowing what point is the appropriate time to demonstrate the "full" pose so people know where we are heading (since the focus isn't on achieving "the perfect pose" anyway)... thanks for sparking this discussion!