Crying for elephants

We rented a scooter today for $5 a day and toured around the island. Fantastically beautiful, green and lush. At the north end of the island we stopped at a tourist Attraction to see elephants. Alesha had never seen them and was thrilled with this opportunity. I went with her, excited for her to see her first elephant. I did not expect the approaching inner adventure..I should have known as it has happened to me before. The moment I saw those magestic Creatures chained up and forced to move around via the encouragement of a sharp metal hook... I began to cry. It came with such velocity that it surprised me! I had to excuse myself and walk into the woods where I sobbed uncontrollably for quite a long time. So much emotion was coming out, I didn't even know where it was all coming from! I soon found myself apologizing and grieving for those elephants; to every animal who has ever been beaten or enslaved; for ourselves who are enslaved; for the earth; the polluted waters; the polluted air...I felt myself feeling it, really FEELING it and apologizing, and praying...for the balance of nature to be restored. For all beings to be free from suffering and to live in the way in which they choose. I pray for the end of abuse and for us all to feel with our hearts and emotions what the earth is asking for. May all beings be free. May all beings be happy....