The disaster in the Gulf is very much in my awareness. The Buddhist sangha I belong to, Tara Mandala, did a group meditation last Saturday praying for healing for the Gulf. At the end I had a vivid vision of the dakinis (feminine spiritual beings) guiding sea-turtles away from the oil. It was a strong vision and gave me hope that the creatures of the sea are being assisted.

How do we know such meditation and prayers have any good effect? If they have any connection to reality at all? Many of us have witnessed the power of thought and intention and prayer, and that helps to give one a sense that one is not wasting one’s time. But even if you have never had such an experience, logic tells us that it is worth making the attempt — better to do that than to do nothing and simply worry or space out.

So if you feel so inclined, take some time to sit and tune into that part of the world, and send your loving thoughts that humans find a way to clean up this mess as soon as possible, and that the sea creatures move away from the danger zone.

And if you would like to make a donation, here is a recommended charity for sea birds. They are working hard in the Gulf right now: http://saveourseabirds.com/