This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jane Goodall’s initial research of the chimpanzees of Tanzania. As a young woman in her 20’s she ventured into the rainforests of Africa to study our closest relative in the animal kingdom. It was Jane who discovered that humans are not the only toolmakers on the planet. One must remember that before this discovery, it what thought that what separated humans from other animals was that we were the only toolmakers! Over the past several decades Jane has worked tirelessly to champion environmental causes. Like so many animals around the planet to day chimpanzees are losing their habitat to urban sprawl. Songbirds, Florida panthers, tigers in India are also losing their habitat; the list is nearly endless. The balance of nature is out of balance! To camp years on end in the jungles of Africa as a young woman takes courage. To stand up for a cause, in this case, environmentalism, also takes courage. The mark of a real hero is courage; to stand up for what you believe in the effort to help others. Jane Goodall is one such hero. Today, Jane Goodall, we salute you as one of humanity’s great heroes!
• Stress Tip for the Day:
One person can make a difference in the world. It happens everyday. People who work in soup kitchens to help feed the hungry. People who teach young kids to read. People give clothing and shelter to the poor. People who offer assistance to others in times of need. These people don’t necessarily make the headlines. They don’t always have books and movies made about their lives, but these people DO make a difference. They are the “everyday heroes” and we need more of them. There are those who say that, as a global village under stress, we need to reevaluate our lifestyles; putting less focus on ourselves and more attention to help others in need. One person can make a difference in the world… and that person is you!
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
Like most people, I have known of Jane Goodall and her work for decades, but I became quite enchanted with her after reading her autobiography, Reason for Hope. I recommend this book to everyone!
The following is a recent interview with Jane from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/science/16conversation.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a210
• Quote for the Day:
“My mission is to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature, please make this your mission too.” — Jane Goodall
• Photo of the Day:
I had the pleasure of hosting Jane Goodall and Michael York at my house for dinner in preparation for a celebration in Boulder honoring Jane’s commitment for world peace and environmental protection. Jane, Michael and I put together a commemorative CD/DVD: Jane Goodall’s Message of Peace which raised (and continues to raise) thousands of dollars to help restore chimpanzee habitat in Tanzania. Congratulations, Jane for your efforts to make this a better world in which to live.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
