A sacred thing to me is that we all see the world through different prisms. People often begin messages to me by saying they read my writing even though they don’t always agree with me. As if they need to always agree with me, or need to disclaim the idea that they might. I can’t imagine reading anything regularly that I always agreed with. I don’t see the point.

My photos and stories about Rocky have brought forth many messages, most of them of concern. In America, we often see animals through the prism of pity, abuse and need. Some are worried that Rocky appears lonely? With his barn down, what is his shelter? Does he get enough food? Is he neglected? I am always surprised by these messages, even as I sense the good place from which they come.

But that is not the Rocky that I see.

The Rocky that I see:

Is at peace.

Has acres of pasture to graze.

Is loved and cared for beyond what many might do.

Has always been alone, but for his owner, and does not in any way seem lonely to me.

Is dignified and businesslike.

Is beautiful, and still, well groomed.

His feed and shelter are his owner’s business,

not mine.

The Rocky I see is calm, grounded.

I sit with him for a few minutes and once in awhile he glances up at me.

I do not know what he is thinking.

There is something spiritual about him.

His message for me: accept life. Security and peace and love come from within,

not from the messages and programs and pills of the outside world.

Be fulfilled. It is all you can do. It is everything.

Awaken.