Sarah, a long-time animal lover and volunteer at the sanctuary, graciously shares with us the endless life lessons she learns from the animals at Indraloka. Enjoy!
1.5.18 Leap of Faithiversary
Each year on December 23, I celebrate my favorite holiday of the year: Leap of Faithiversary. On that date in 2013, Eddie Traffic took a flying leap of faith off of a transport truck en route to slaughter traveling 70+ mph on a busy highway, and he subsequently became an international hero. That remarkable story can be read in full here.
It’s hard to believe that four years have passed since since Eddie jumped off of that truck, not only because so much in the world has changed, but also because of the impact he continues to make on humans and animals alike through his bravery. Take a moment, right now, and imagine how it looks from a car window traveling 70+ mph on a busy highway- and then imagine seeing that same sight from a much taller vehicle through a much smaller hole… and knowing, “That’s the only way out, and my life depends on seizing this opportunity.”  I do believe that leap was taken with desperation gnawing at Eddie’s every thought, but I also believe that beyond desperation was an overwhelming sense of optimism, faith, and trust that where there was light, there was hope. I often think about how many other pigs saw the very same opening that day and didn’t leap… and what enabled Eddie to be so courageous to be the one who did. Whatever it was that happened in that moment of faith, Eddie became the bravest, strongest, most spiritually driven superhero imaginable- and when that story went public, he became a social media superstar, and also my own personal warrior.
I read Eddie’s story and saw his first photos before I was a regular visitor at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, but I had been there once before- and when I found out Eddie would be living there, I knew I needed to return to meet him in person. That winter I wrote to Eddie. I emailed him my most personal fears and my grandest hopes. When he wouldn’t allow humans to remove his painful ear tag, Number 303, I shared with Eddie that I too hold on to things that hurt me sometimes, and that I hoped as we got to know each other better, that we would each let go of those painful memories and allow our healing to begin. It never occurred to me that there was a human responding on his behalf on the other end of those messages- to me- the words were communicated directly between me and Eddie. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew that pig was changing my life in a dramatic way.
After we met in person and spent several months getting to know one another, Eddie welcomed me into his pasture for belly rubs and long chats about anything and everything… Eddie was quickly turning into one of my best friends. As that friendship developed I often thought about what bonded us. It wasn’t as simple as enjoying each other- although that was true. I truly believe that he was brought into my life to teach me the exact things we wrote about to one another from the beginning: taking leaps of faith to change the course of our lives, and to let go of the things that hurt us most. While I also express endless gratitude to some of the best mentors I could ever ask for in my life, Eddie provided a different outlet- one that allowed me to be my truest self without fear of judgment, abandonment, or ego. During that first year of friendship, changes happened in big ways… and I was thrilled. As the years have continued though, I truly feel like a new person. I feel like I see the light that drives me to leap every single day, and even in moments of instability, I trust that wherever I land will be a place with meaning and opportunity. Eddie has inspired that kind of life transition, and I cannot be more grateful for his beautiful shining example.
With all of that said, each year on December 23, I have made it my focus and intention to thank those who have helped me to take leaps of faith in the preceding year. They may not have been huge leaps, but in my opinion, every single one counts- because each small leap changes the direction and flow of everyday life! It’s a way of spreading the incredible optimism and fearlessness that Eddie Traffic exemplifies- and making sure his story is shared with a bigger and bigger audience each year. On December 23, 2017, I witnessed 500+ children shouting “Happy Leap of Faithiversary, Eddie!” during a school assembly. They may not understand exactly what that means right now, but the seed has been planted… they have heard the words, they have seen his photos, they have read snippets of his story. To my mentors, friends, and family, I thank each and every one of you for helping me and encouraging me to continue to take leaps of faith… thank you for believing me when I shared that a pig- a whole family of pigs- was changing my own life, and the lives of many others. Thank you Eddie for jumping that day when the fear must have been overwhelming. Thank you to the truck driver who kept him safe, to the reporters and writers who first shared his beautiful story, to the sanctuary for inviting me to meet Eddie snout to nose, and to Indra for encouraging me to volunteer and spend more time with the animals in person. Thank you to so many people who read about Eddie and ask questions every day! Most of all though, consider sharing with your own friends, family, and mentors a sense of gratitude each year on December 23, and consider sharing Eddie’s story with them. Imagine how great the world would be if we would all take more leaps of faith- and if we would express gratitude to those who are there to cheer us on, or help pick us up when those leaps don’t land the way we hope or plan. Most of all, consider the lesson Eddie teaches with the most clarity- to have faith in the light in front of you, and to seize the opportunity when it presents, regardless of the odds of landing softly.
~Sarah
9.7.17
“Change in the world comes from individuals, from the Inner Peace in individual hearts. Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama
While sitting at the Indraloka booth at the Cornstock Folk Festival recently, a kind man approached and immediately picked up the photo of Selick the pig. There were many other photos on the table, and he gladly listened to stories about all of our friends- but Selick completely mesmerized him. He was enamored with the handsome old pig. He looked into Selick’s eyes and I waited quietly for the right time to share Selick’s story. I could see that the man had already fallen in love with the spirit of a pig he would never meet in person, and as he learned more about the blind pig who transformed darkness to light and love, I could also see he grieved for Selick’s passing many months ago.
What a beautiful reminder that although Selick is no longer grazing and wallowing, he is making an impact. He is spreading love, and light, and goodness. Selick is still bringing together strangers and leaving them a little more vulnerable, a little more compassionate, and maybe even a little bit more hopeful.
Selick found his inner peace, and his beautiful story can be found by clicking .
~Sarah
7.12.17
On a warm, sunny, June afternoon we pulled up to a place that housed pigs- or rather- a place where pigs lived. We were on a rescue mission, and knew very few details beyond: “There is a pig in need, an we are here to help him.” It was very clear that Gavin was hungry, thirsty, and hot without shade, but when we gently lifted his ears he did welcome us with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, and a quiet grunt. Gavin was very willing to follow a bowl full of food and walk right into the truck where he would travel home with us. We were grateful for his cooperation and the trust he was already showing for his new human friends. Once he was into the truck with the air conditioning running, a bowl of cool water, and feed mixed in with a lush layer of hay to nap- I joined him while the other humans continued their work with other animals.
Once the initial excitement of comfort wore off, Gavin was very curious about his new surroundings- especially, the human in the front seat! Not knowing what to expect, I did a lot of singing and talking to Gavin, and he responded by gently nuzzling me, letting me know he was fully engaged and enjoying our time together, already. With each gentle nuzzle I lifted his huge ears to expose beautiful big brown eyes, and Gavin would make eye contact with me for long enough to let me know, “Oh good, it’s still you… keep singing, please.” It was around that time that another pig was squealing loudly outside of the truck. I could see and hear that pig, and I knew that Gavin could see and hear that pig too, and we both recognized that she was scared and unhappy. The harder she struggled outside of the truck, the more I sang, and the more I sang, the closer Gavin squirmed his body to me. He did stand a few times to look out the windows- and much to my surprise when I reached down to gently touch his belly in hopes of helping him relax- immediately he flopped to the ground grunting quietly letting me know, “Thank you, that feels so good.”
As I replay that moment in my head over, and over again- I continue to be astounded by his spirit. There we were, sitting in a strange truck, with a pig screaming outside of the vehicle with many human strangers moving quickly- the scent of fruit, grain, and other pig treats in the air- and yet not only did Gavin allow me to reach out and touch his belly, he rolled to the ground asking for more. The amount of bravery, faith, and trust that he displayed in that moment is something I hope to never forget. On the long drive home Gavin napped a lot, occasionally sniffed the humans in the front seats, and got his first taste of “sweet crunchies.” We told him they were apples, but I like his language, better. We promised Gavin that he would enjoy sweet crunchies and so much more in his new home, and that the hay he was basking in in the truck would be far more plentiful at the sanctuary.
After several hours of travel, with bumps, twists, and turns in the road, the doors opened to the sanctuary, rich with the sounds of nature and animals already in slumber. Gavin desperately wanted to explore his new space, but his weak body would not allow him the energy and momentum needed to leap from the truck. Showing no fear, Gavin slowly inched his tired limbs onto a pile of hay bales, and with some coaxing and gentle help, he rejoiced as he finally walked into his stall filled with soft hay, fresh water, sweet crunchies, and a meal to fill even the emptiest of bellies. Since that night Gavin has already started gaining weight, making friends with cats, and he is on the path to recovery from a host of illnesses.
His struggle is not over, but as he proved in the truck that night, Gavin recognizes that he is safe now, and that he is loved. He is gentle and kind, and he is gracious for his meals and caregivers. Gavin represents the kind of spirit I wish more humans would strive to embody; one that is able to give and receive love, one that is able to forgive by letting go- even of the immediate past, one that has faith and trust in the moment- without expectation, and of course- Gavin showed us that accepting a belly rub from a stranger is really no different than accepting a smile, a wink, or a kind word from a passerby on the street- and taking a moment of appreciation to let that connection soak in. Gavin has shown us that even when sweet crunchies are abundant, take time to savor every morsel- each drop of sweet nectar, because pleasure doesn’t have to be rushed. I have only known Gavin for a short time, but before our tires even hit the road as we left his past behind, he had already changed my life.
~Sarah
3.9.17
The person feeding the animals that night climbed in with Lily’s bucket- full of food. Not realizing I was there, they called her and placed it on the ground. Lily looked me in the eye without moving a muscle- and then she hugged me even closer, sighed, and closed her eyes for a quick snooze. Everyone who has met Miss Lily knows that she screams for food from the moment she hears the feed-bin open, until an hour later when the bin closes for the night. At meal time she is not polite, she is not patient, and she surely does not pause for play when her meal is nearby. (I promise the rest of the day she is quite kind and lady-like!) I had no idea when I arrived that night that Lily had not eaten dinner, until that food sat inches away from her… while Miss Lily Pie, my sweet piglet friend, showed me how easy it can be to simply choose love over food. It was eye opening, soul opening, and most of all heart opening. I knew immediately I had to take the same steps as Miss Lily.
 7.18.2016
I traveled to the upper barn after noting that hay supersedes Mozart on a hot summer day. As I played in my new spot, the mini pigs huddled together watching intently from the closest spot to me they could find, Vanna hid at first, and slowly crept out until she had her nose pressed into the bell of my clarinet, Maddie sat next to me watching and smiling for the duration of the entire three movement musical work, and the feathered friends sang along with me- LOUDLY! Maja in particular was excited to be heard in harmony with my playing, and the turkeys loved the music- the higher the sounds, the better! Miss Lily pie was VERY excited. As I moved closer to her, Lily stood on her hind legs, tail wiggling, and her snout as close to the clarinet as I would allow her. Every time I stopped playing Lily screamed loudly- and would not stop until the music started again! Talk about an ego boost! In order to leave Lily, I had to give her a treat, otherwise I’d still be playing Mozart a week later. After Lily’s enthusiasm, the Sheep and Magdie were very curious and they surrounded me and then took turns sniffing the clarinet and looking more closely at my fingers as they moved. Eddie was delighted to hear music, the other big pigs walked away.6.24.2016
During a recent visit, sweet Lily Pie asked me to “Please come snuggle.” Of course, she didn’t have to ask twice! She rolled for a belly rub first, but then used her snout to nuzzle her face into my armpit and wriggle her body closer and closer until she was resting her head on my arm, her back on my belly, and her rump on my legs- I believe we humans call it “spooning.”
It was a hot day, she had already eaten dinner, and Lily needed some quiet time in the remaining sunshine with a friend- and I gladly accepted her invitation. As I sang to her, Lily snored loudly, even as my hand tickled her chin and she smiled up at the sky. We stayed like that for a long time- exchanging quiet stories, singing songs, and watching the clouds. I’m not sure whether Lily needed that time, or if she sensed I needed it- but by the time we each took a deep breath and stood up, the world around us seemed even more vivid and alive than before. Our fun was not over, though!
Next, I called Lily over to her wallow- deep with warm water and wet mud- and my boots sank in. As I sat on the edge, I kicked the water gently, making ripples and light splashes at the surface. Lily was mesmerized- and when I stopped, she dove her face into the water blowing bubbles with her nose and mouth to make the same ripples appear. When she stopped, I started again. We went back and forth several times- until Lily surprised me! She dove down into the water- locked her eyes on my eyes- lifted her snout and threw a giant layer of mud onto me! As I laughed and kicked my boots to splash her, she continued to throw mud at me without ever breaking eye contact. Once we both had our fill of muddy mayhem, she gave me a giant muddy kiss on the chin to say “good night” and I’d like to think we both spent the rest of the night smiling while thinking about the fun we had just shared.
~Sarah
5.16.2016
The sensation often feels like a total body hug- and I love it! On my last visit, I sat in the hay and Magdie the sheep-loving pig flopped onto my lap for some affection. Within moments, the sheep surrounded me from all directions and “hugged” my body warmly. With so much love and energy exchanged between “The Sheepies,” Magdie and myself, I’m not sure words can fully express the sensations. The closest I can explain is a warm bubble full of love wrapping around my body. It was intense and beautiful, and once we all had our fill, I think we each walked away a little healthier and happier.A second personality deserving of a column is a sweet cat named Templeton. He is long and lean, his gray coat is rich in color, he has a gigantic handsome square head, and he has a silent meow that always catches my attention. Templeton is one of the newer additions to the feline family at Indraloka, but he has become a fixture all over the sanctuary grounds. Sometimes I find him smiling up at me while napping with Maddie and Vanna, other times he is having a secret silent conversation with Lily, but most often, I find Templeton waiting for his human friends. He is one of the first to greet visitors, and he always takes the time to extend well wishes as people leave. I fell in love with Templeton and his quiet, unassuming personality the moment I met him, and most other visitors do, too.
~Sarah
3.10.2016
A few weeks ago, a very unassuming student in my classroom stopped to tell me a story. I gave him my attention while seating other students, and moved him along. He didn’t move. Instead he pulled out a collection from his pocket, and after a quick “oooh, and ahh” I moved him along, again. He didn’t move.  He announced “This is my wheat penny collection.” That caught my attention, because truth be told, I had an extensive wheat penny collection as a kid and hadn’t thought about it in years. The young man in my room, who is usually very quiet and reserved, respectful and engaged, but not overly enthusiastic about music, held out a wheat penny saying “I want you to have this one.  Please keep it.”
The following day I brought one of my own wheat pennies in and gave it to him, and he stood there, silently, with blazing red cheeks and a smile from ear to ear before he could find the words “thank you.”  In that moment he reminded me to always stop and listen, no matter how little time is available, because listening is what matters most, and also that sometimes the people who seem the least interested or engaged from outward glance, are actually absorbing fulfillment and joy from our interactions.
From that moment forward, I have looked at my students and even my friends and family differently, remembering that care and connection comes in all forms. I missed something important, though. When I visit the sanctuary, I find that kisses from pigs, dogs, goats, and even cows are the norm. I know that Whirlee Girlee will tell me stories while she and the other horses are in the barn. I know that the sheep will offer hugs and gentle massage, and Tao will wait his turn to go last. I recognize connection at the sanctuary, and I am so lucky to find it abundantly.
A few days ago, though, while I was listening intently to Whirlee, Fancy gently reached over, grabbed for my hand, and when I turned she nuzzled me gently and gave me a big sloppy kiss all the way up my arm as far as she could reach. It took me by surprise, Fancy has always been quiet and reserved around me! It was a great moment, but I still didn’t understand. I even told myself “I don’t really connect with Fancy, that’s interesting!”
Today I was back to visit, and after careful thought, decided that Fancy should get a visit in the pasture- something I don’t normally do. The other horses were there, and right away Fancy walked over, nuzzled my neck and chin, and again slurped from fingertips to shoulder with a kiss. In that moment I realized it was a mirror from my recent experience. Fancy just gave me her wheat penny. The first time I heard the message, I applied it to my human community. The second time I realized it’s true for my animal friends, too.Â
They connect in their own way, and just because it isn’t always visible- doesn’t mean it isn’t there. They appreciate the time people spend with them- or near them- even if they never make physical contact. The final piece of the lesson, at least so far, has been to recognize that as healers, caregivers, teachers, and leaders, we often reach out to others. We take on the responsibility of creating pathways for others to connect with us and to feel safe. The young man in my classroom, and Fancy – they were brave. They initiated unexpectedly, and they did it in their own way. I love that, I admire that kind of strength.
Sometimes maybe we are all too busy helping others to feel comfortable and welcome in OUR world, instead of reaching out and trying to become a part of THEIR worlds.
~Sarah