I'll let the Kristin's Song and Colin's video of the whales speak for me.


This was filmed at Bay of Loreto National Marine Park in Baja Sur, Mexico. I painted whale murals here this winter. Come with me next winter and meet the whales.

Tonight I attended the Camden Festival of the Spirit screening of Fierce Light by Velcrow Ripper. He was present for a post film discussion.
With the film, Velcrow wanted to observe and connect with people around the world who are finding a strong spiritual core in their activism for peace, justice and the environment. These seem sterile words, for in most cases their lives, their freedom, their homes, and communities were at stake.  The people faced arrest, persecution, murder in order to organize peaceful actions in the cause of justice.
Watching the scenes of people marching, chanting, sitting, while tear gas, police, and bludgeons closed in, I wondered again: is it enough that I make art about love? That I pray in a sweat lodge? That I touch people? 
I had a question for the film maker but it eluded me. The question cried to be asked, but I couldn't find the words. Finally I borrowed this question: What if we can't save the world?
Velcrow offered a wise and eloquent response. He spoke of the difference between Hope and Optimism, saying he is not optimistic, but he has hope. (Optimists see evidence and conclude things are looking up; hope sees desperation, and takes action anyway.)
As Siona posted in her blog, Paul Hawken's book Blessed Unrest points to a world wide grassroots upwelling of small, local activist groups who are making real change. Velcrow likens this to an immune response to the war and destruction that has brought us to the brink. To poorly summarize his answer to my question: we continue our "soulful" activism without knowing if we will succeed, because we must, and because the rewards we receive now are so great: community, deep spirituality, and positive growth.
Spiritual activism is Light and Life giving.
I have a renewed appreciation for the presence and potential of the people at Gaia.com. I wonder if typing in blogs and posting videos is enough? It certainly does not make compelling cinema. But I think it counts and when we are called to put our Souls on the line for something big, I think we are ready.