How lucky, I thought, that I can see the light in this way, and see the love that can pass between a human being and an animal, in the natural world, as the beginning of my day. How foolish, I think, to waste a single minute on the angry and fearful echoes of a world unmoored by greed and anger and money.

Every day I am called upon to decide which way I want to go: a life of warnings, fear, argument, or a life of love, joy and fulfillment. Wanting something does not make it true, and nobody’s path is easy. But when I look at my wonderful wife, radiant and filled with love, saying good morning to her beloved donkeys, and I see them talking back to her, in their own ancient and mysterious way, then I am clear about which path I want to be on.

Every day, a choice. My choice.