Our Forgotten Kin: A New Earth Perspective on Animals

What if our choices reflected not dominance, but reverence?

5 min readNov 17, 2024

In a world of choices, imagine a quiet reckoning with the lives we so often overlook. Have we lost our way with the kin who share this Earth? Perhaps it’s time to pause and rethink our bond with the animal world.

Take a deep breath and step into a quiet moment of reflection. Imagine a world where the animal kingdom is no longer seen as subordinate to human desires, but as an intricate, sacred part of our shared existence. Let’s examine the assumptions we’ve carried for centuries — ones that suggest animals exist solely for our pleasure or consumption. What if these beliefs, deeply entrenched in our collective psyche, are the greatest distortion of nature itself?

Is being vegan against nature?

This question often sparks heated debate. Some argue that refraining from consuming animals disrupts the ‘natural’ order — the so-called food chain. But are we, as humans, bound by the same instincts as a lion chasing its prey? Or do we, as beings capable of reflection, empathy, and innovation, have the unique ability to transcend instinct for the sake of kindness?

Consider this: nature is not merely a series of predatory acts. It is an intricate web of interdependence, one that we can choose to honor rather than exploit. By living in alignment with compassion — extending it to animals as our kin — we shift from domination to harmony. This is not a rejection of nature; it is an elevation of its principles.

Is killing for food an act of kindness and nature?

Some might say yes, under the guise of humane slaughter or free-range practices. But let’s sit with that paradox. Can taking a life, especially when it is not a necessity, ever truly be kind? To grant an animal a semblance of freedom, only to extinguish it for our convenience, is to deny the very essence of the freedom we claim to uphold.

We often justify these actions by pointing to human tradition or natural order, yet we rarely question the weight of our choices. If we can nourish ourselves without causing harm — if we can thrive on the abundance of plant life — why do we cling to the idea that taking a life is an act of kindness? True kindness lies in the decision to spare life whenever possible.

Lessons from Indigenous Wisdom

For countless generations, Native American and other Indigenous peoples have demonstrated a deep respect for the animal world. Animals were never seen as mere resources, but as sacred beings deserving of gratitude and reverence. Rituals and prayers of thanks were offered for any life taken, with the understanding that such acts were not to be taken lightly. This profound respect for the interconnectedness of all life stands in stark contrast to modern practices of exploitation, reminding us that coexistence with the animal world requires humility and reciprocity. Their wisdom calls us to honor animals not as objects, but as vital, spiritual members of the Earth’s community.

Reimagining Freedom

The concept of freedom is often cited in defense of dietary choices. “You do you, and let others do themselves,” we hear. But freedom, when wielded responsibly, is not a weapon of indifference. It is a call to extend dignity and autonomy to all beings, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. The freedom of one being cannot justify the suffering or death of another.

If we claim to cherish freedom, we must ask: how do our choices ripple out into the lives of others — human and non-human alike? How do they impact the delicate balance of the world we share? True freedom is not the right to exploit without consequence; it is the wisdom to act with integrity and care.

A Call to Kinship

The animal world is not separate from us; it is an extension of our own existence. They are not commodities or resources — they are kin. Recognizing this truth requires a shift in perspective, one that dares to challenge the norms we have accepted for too long.

So, I ask: What if we chose to live in a way that honors this kinship? What if our choices reflected not dominance, but reverence? By embracing a path of compassion — for ourselves, for animals, and for the Earth — we create a legacy of healing and harmony.

As we navigate these questions, perhaps we can also hold space for humility, grace, and courage. The New Earth consciousness calls for nothing less than a reimagining of our place within this world — not as rulers, but as stewards of life, in all its forms.

Hi, I’m Erica. A few years ago, I embarked on a journey to raise awareness, aiming to protect our Planet, her animals, and each other. Driven by a deep passion to inspire change, I’m creating an uplifting space on Medium — a place where every word is a call to consciousness. If this article speaks to you, I invite you to follow, subscribe, share, and explore my other writings.

Erica Salvemini, Conscious Entreprenuer & Voice for the New Earth

Together, we’re building a vision of a New Earth rooted in compassion, unity, and respect for all life. Join me, and together we rise, because if we can make a difference, we must.

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