EYE GAZING WITH A FARMED ANIMAL / {Activism Idea}
A suggested “activism” idea that’s almost hard to call an “activism” idea at all - due to its loving and educational intention of inviting human animals to connect with non-human animals and see what happens. No harsh words here. No seeking to shame or change “bad folks or companies.” Just a simple set-up in a public space - sponsored by an appropriate animal-welfare entity - whereby passersby are invited and instructed on how to “eye gaze” with a farmed animal – chicken, cow, duck, goose, pig, sheep. Often during eye gazing with another (taking a few moments to get still, then staring unflinchingly and deeply into the eyes of a partner for an extended time), profound experiences happen. When one takes the time to do this with a being of another species, the experience is not necessarily lessened. At best, this “activism idea” would be a portal to direct experience of our shared spirit or inherent “sameness” / “oneness” with all variants of life. There are plenty of examples of folks who have been “transformed” via connecting with farmed animals. Howard Lyman is one. The founder of All Y’all Jerky is another. Whether or not a single person is moved to change their behavior with such an opportunity to eye gaze with a farmed animal, the activity would be heartwarming and lovely.