| BFC Buffalo Field Campaign
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| EARTH
IN MOTION
by Monica RavenHeart
What the bison are teaching us |
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A great phenomenon is happening in our little part of the world:
the animals are assuming the role of teacher. It is no longer
possible for them to wait for humans to get it right. In
their annual exodus from the confines of Yellowstone Park ,
the last genetically wild bison are teaching us that movement
is a sustainable, and inevitable, means to the revitalization
of the earth.
In their prime, the bison herds that roamed the expanse of North
America grazed on the hoof. Their biological makeup required
them to eat on the move. Their mouths and teeth were designed
to remove grasses in a rotating fashion at the base that left
the root structure in place, stimulating the plants‚ growth.
Their instinctual patterns of migration sustained the health
of the land and that of millions of bison and other free-roaming
ruminant herds. The symbiotic relationship between animals and
earth allowed for the harmonious, optimal health of both.
With the introduction of domesticated cattle came segregated
land areas rendered fallow by constant compression. Cattle
are contained in fenced parcels, restricting their movement.
Their body weight compresses the earth, and depresses the soil's
ability to regenerate the native grasses critical to the health
and well-being of the land and its native grazing animals. The
land is unable to breathe and renew itself. Confined cattle
are destructive to native plants, trees, shrubs, and riparian
areas (banks of rivers and lakes). They are forced to stand,
eat, and sleep in their own waste. There is nothing healthy
or life-sustaining about this treatment, either for them or
for those who consume them.
It has become evident, through the problems we now face, that
life on this planet˜its very health˜requires movement.
It requires migration. This reawakening can be seen in the recent
critically dysfunctional behavior of migratory herd and flock
species˜such as whales, elephants, caribou, birds, butterflies,
and buffalo˜as they sacrificially persevere through every
obstacle to actualize their DNA-encoded mission of migration.
Thankfully, scientific data now undeniably shows that the energetic
movement of hoofed, finned, and winged species (that instinctively
follow magnetic routes) actually stimulates the earth's life
blood, the mineral and magnetic forces contained in and around
this planet. The continued cyclic stimulation of primary grid
lines (the earth's energetic veins) is crucial to the internal
mass and function of the earth. Humans, plants, animals, soil,
and water (being chemically made up of the same mineral and
liquid content as the earth) all mirror what happens when circulation
is obstructed or completely cut off. Disease, stagnation, and
death are certain over a period of time. For decades the earth
has been showing us the signs of her struggle to maintain a
healthy existence. She is showing us now that if she has to,
she will take care of herself˜with bizarre weather patterns,
tectonic shifts, or whatever else it may take. She is moving
on.
The primary, universal goal was for humans and animals to be
stewards of the earth. However, with separatism came self-imposed
hierarchies, and the original mission and intent were lost to
dominance and greed. Looking back now and pointing fingers serves
no useful purpose. The sands in the hourglass are but a few
grains, and we must awaken and act this minute or lose everything
that is sustaining life on this planet. Right here in Montana
we are allowing the few to dominate and destroy the last natural
resources of the many. Mass trophy-home development, the destruction
of vital waterways and riparian areas, and the slaughter of
Yellowstone bison are issues that need our immediate intervention.
Conservation lands designated as migration corridors are an
attainable solution to preserving the vitality of our natural
resources and will allow our local migratory species˜wild
bison, elk, antelope, geese, swans, and others˜to show
us the way to a naturally thriving, balanced, and harmonious
existence on this earth. When we change, everything changes.
For more information on the importance of migration and how
you can assist, attend the Drumming a Sacred Circle for Life
event Sunday, March 18, at the Livingston Depot Center . Call
333-4098 for more information.
Monica RavenHeart |
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