This email crossed my computer screen today and touched my heart as it moved through. Normally I have the fastest delete button in Colorado. Junk mail does not get a second glance.
A Ranger in Lanseria, S. Africa has an incredible relationship with lions, hyenas and cougars. The Ranger is assigned to protect the animals in the wildlife refuge from poaching. Everyone has declared through the ages that animals know who likes them. Animals have an instinct to know who cares about them and who will harm them. These pictures reveal the close relationship between their human protector and themselves. Hyenas have the reputation of being vicious, yet they cuddle up to him as if they were tabby cats. Lions hate water and yet they are in deep water with the Ranger in very trusting poses.
How do we relate to the people in our lives? Are we giving, caring and protective or self-centered and “what’s in it for me?” So often in corporate cultures and business in general, the tendency toward competitive behavior wins out over cooperation.
This attitude of “what’s in it for me” has become so prevalent that people laughingly state, “The radio station most people have tuned in 24/7 is WIIFM.” How about you?
Something good exists in every situation. During a natural disaster such as a hurricane or a national disaster such as September 11 at the Twin Towers in New York, Americans all pull together to help each other. The current economic collapse has caused many people to reassess their priorities. We have all become so accustomed to “things” that we forget to be tender and caring. During a disaster, the focus becomes more on giving than getting.
This Ranger put his own life at risk to care for his furry friends. The animals knew and responded. Small children and animals seem to be especially sensitive to vibrations of genuine caring. Being considerate and caring does not mean allowing others to walk all over you. What would it really hurt for you to open a door for someone who has their hands full? What about giving a smile or a kind word to a colleague? Why not tell a friend or co-worker that you like their outfit? Why not take an extra minute to hug your kids and pat the dog?
During the pioneer days life was simple and neighbors helped each other. When did we get so busy that we stopped caring about each other?
Serotonin is the “feel good” chemical produced in the brain naturally and artificially reproduced in all of the mood enhancing drugs. It is a known fact that doing something good for someone else raises the serotonin in the brain of the person performing the good deed. It also increases serotonin in the brains of people receiving the act of kindness. It is also known to increase the serotonin in the brains of people observing a kind gesture.
The story and pictures of this amazing relationship between man and wild animals warms our hearts and hopefully inspires us to re-examine all of our own actions and motives. Do something good for someone today with the absolute knowing that they could never re-pay you. Even better, do not expect them to repay you.
Life is truly about giving value to help others. It makes you feel good, makes them feel good and sets a dynamite example for everyone.
Send me your comments and stories in the “Contact Elaine” section of www.Elaine4Success.com. Request a copy of these incredible pictures.
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