And then a short time later, along came this wonderful video. I was moved and inspired not only by Luiz's heartfelt and compassionate convictions (of course!), but also by how naturally his mom listens to him with such love and with such an open heart and mind, and what a perfect example she provides of listening with the intent to understand...
I especially found the last part of their conversation very touching. It probably goes without saying that I fell utterly in love with this wise, sensitive, soulful (and undeniably adorable) child. Luiz, may life always treat you, your mother, and the animals with kindness, and may you never, ever lose your beautiful compassion.
"I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening
in order to bring joy and happiness to others
and relieve others of their suffering."
That video is absolutely amazing! What an extremely smart, compassionate child Luiz is. MY!! I was astounded at how he was reasoning so well for his age and further grateful that his mom did not argue with him about it. If only all parents listened to their children so well. Such a great video! <3
ReplyDeleteI had a pretty strong feeling you'd enjoy this video! :-) Luiz is really something special, isn't he? And what a cutie. I agree about his mom - instead of trying to desensitize him (as so often happens when children realize and question why animals are on their plate) or even outright lying to him, she was so honest and respectful of him and his feelings. I just loved them both!
Deletewhat a sweet, intelligent young man. thank you for sharing him.
ReplyDeleteand the quote is spot on...
He sure is, and it was my pleasure, Tex! Thank you so much for stopping by and for taking the time to watch it and leave your nice comment!
DeleteAnd I sure do agree about that quote, too!
I volunteer on a crisis line as a telephone counsellor and listening is HARD work, and very, very tiring. And worth every bit of the energy expended.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Luis, and his mother. Stunning quote and video - both dear to my heart. Thank you.
I remember that you do that, and can't imagine how difficult, yet how critical, that necessary level of listening is. It can be challenging enough to engage in deep listening even to less emotional and difficult stuff, so I can only imagine how grueling it can be, yet how rewarding, in your line of volunteerism. Good for you!
DeleteSo, so happy that you enjoyed the video and quote (but not at all surprised!) :-) xoxo
Oh gosh - that quotation is so true! Thanks for making me rethink the way I listen...
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It's a great insight/reminder for us all.
DeleteWonderful video - we could all learn so much from the way that mother listened and answered her son.
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree! :-)
DeleteI agree...the mother was channeling how to be an excellent parent and friend. Makes it understandable how the little one came to be how he is.
ReplyDeleteI think so too! And I love how she was willing to allow Luiz to be her teacher in this instance. Their exchange was so heartwarming!
DeleteToo many of us do indeed listen only to reply. I know I'm guilty of that! What a compassionate little boy and observant Mother. Nice conversation.
ReplyDeleteI know, I'll bet there are only a handful of people on the planet - maybe! - who can't relate to that message!
DeleteGreat quote! I'm going to write it out and put on the wall...I definitely need to work on that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear little boy. I'm so impressed with people who have well-developed sense of compassion for animals at an early age. He's definitely a gentle little soul. Very heart-warming.
I'm sure there is only a handful of folks who don't need to work on that! I don't know if we're built that way or it's learned behavior, but either way, it can be a real challenge to overcome it.
DeleteIsn't Luiz something special? I agree with everything you said!
Such pure innocence! Leave it to a child to discern what's fair or not. Would that we all had the courage of this young boy and his compassionate mother!
ReplyDeleteSo do I! When BW watched it, he said (longingly), "If I'd had those insights at his age, I could have been vegan 50 years ago!" I think a lot of children DO have those insights, though they may not be able to articulate them as well or as confidently (or as adorably!) as Luiz, and their parent usually respond with the usual desensitizing messages our society has grown accustomed to.
DeleteAhhhh! Luiz was adorable. Made me think of some conversations I had with Melissa when she was little though she never had that exact kind of empathy for animals. But she did have deep thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI also need to be a better listener. That quote said it all!
Ooh..I like that quote as it's so true!!
ReplyDelete