I finally had the privilege of watching the new video, "The Donkey Sanctuary 40 years on...".
I was moved deeply by the totality of service and the characteristics we all should strive for in life. I found it tender and evocative, and so familiar! as I saw faces of people and donkeys alike that I now know, and have given programs about and written about. This documentary brings to life things we have all noticed but lacked the "Donkey Wisdom" to clarify. It is humbling, beautiful and enfolding. And oh, truly magic!
Thank you.
Jenny B.
Thanks for your comments on the film Jenny. I can tell you there were many times during the production of this film that I got emotionally involved. Sitting in the cherry picker with my granny, Dr Svendsen, (at the end of the film) saying thank you to all the supporters who have helped the Sanctuary over the last 40 years was a truly magical and tearful moment for both me and Alan, the cameraman. Another poignant moment was meeting Soad in the Sanctuary from Suffering chapter - she was terribly thin and Mourad's words were truly from the heart - thank goodness our teams are there to help.
It was Thomas Moore who wrote that one can discover holiness around every corner. That's what fosters enchantment. An enchantment that has a lowly spirituality, not one rising to the skies, but one that comes from the most humble and earthbound things. This "enchanting" holiness is what I too saw in Soad's eyes. Her soul was there, plain to see and well defined in her eyes. Eyes that spoke of the deep rooted life she clings to on this earth. Human life is defined by the soul, yet all life should enjoy this definition. And I must say, especially a Donkey's life. You and your grandmother and the cameraman captured all the right moments and words for Donkeys as well as for human endeavors. I am so grateful to you all at the Sanctuary! One of my dreams is to hold a precious Donkey like the groom did in the "Magic of Donkeys" segment. Such love cannot be measured easily in this elusive world. This film clearly conveys how you all at the Donkey Sanctuary have created a template of Grace in the world.
Thank you.
Jenny B.