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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, poetry

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Sanctuary Song

Let me be a sanctuary 
for all beings
with voice, with action, with song

For those who can’t speak
a voice that moves mountains
 - Earthquake Strong

For those who are imprisoned
break their chains
of suffering and pain

For those whose cries
are unheard 
lift them up in flight
lovingly in the wings of a heavenly bird

And for those whose bodies are too weak from fighting 
strength in numbers
 - Community Strong

Using our voices, our actions
 - Together
becoming a sanctuary song.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?
-Alexis Cress

Are we looking? Have you ever had one of those weeks where humanity and its actions (or inactions) really get you down? Whether it’s reading about the never-ending violence in the world, witnessing the continued inhumane treatment of animals, or watching the many migrants crossing through the country with the look of desperation and fear in their eyes. This world definitely shows its sadness for all to see. That is, if we are looking.

But love is here. Yet, I also read about and witness everyday the MANY amazing people and organizations who continue to fight for and give refuge to those who need it most – they are sanctuaries.

No act of kindness is too small. To be a sanctuary, your actions don’t have to be huge, just big enough to make a difference for one person, one animal, one being. Maybe today, this action is just a simple smile given to someone who other’s walk by and ignore. Or it could be an action of present awareness to your family and friends, by truly listening to them with love and support. Maybe you say no to a burger or another form of animal meat, maybe just for today. Or, you finally sign up to volunteer at the local animal shelter. There are so many small (which turn into HUGE) ways to make a difference everyday.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Blessings to you❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

advocacy, animal rescue, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, poetry

Your Voice – Their Hope

Your voice is the answer

When you see something wrong
don’t turn away
Make this the moment
to say something
to act
in a kind, supportive, and positive way

Use your voice to support others
to find strength in numbers
in community
this is where our power lies

Together we can move mountains
Save the abused
Rescue the forgotten
and right the wronged

Together
we won’t be silenced
by the abusers’ anger, their intimidation,
or threatening ways

All actions have consequences
inactions do too
And when we choose not to act
the consequences 
are part of the problem too

Please don’t turn your eye
to abuse, to neglect
to the pain of another being
today

Let your voice
be their hope
A hand 
leading them out of harm's way.
-Alexis Cress

TOGETHER – we will move mountains💜💜💜.

While I was working with animal rescue here in Costa Rica, the amount of dog and cat neglect and abuse I saw was heartbreaking💔. I often questioned why some community members would turn their eye to the abuse or not want to get involved. Because I truly believed (and still do!) that when more people get involved within their community, become more educated about their community’s problems, the sooner we make positive changes for the good of all beings involved – whether it is in animal rescue, poverty, domestic violence, or other community concerns. You may quickly find that all community problems are connected in some way.

As human beings we have the emotional and intellectual ability to not only feel and know when something is wrong with another being or situation but we also have the capacity to make positive changes for all involved. Just one simple smile to a stranger, one kind word to a neighbor, one act of service with a community organization, could change or even save another being’s life.

I know it can be scary sometimes to speak up, to get involved, but when you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable – trust your gut, your intuition. I encourage you to speak to someone. Ask questions. Become educated. Your action (no matter the size) may truly be the hand that leads someone out of harm’s way.

Your Voice – Their Hope.💜💜💜

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for all beings.

Blessings,

Alexis

love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Living, poetry

Do you believe in angels?

Do you believe in angels?
I do
different shapes and colors
celebrating life with you

A puppy dog’s tail as it wags with joy
a hummingbird’s wings whirling by
the breeze as it blows at just the right time
for sure angels are here, definitely a sign!

When the sun rises and colors the sky
and the kitten purrs when swatting at a butterfly
When the butterfly gracefully floats by
wings open
colors abound
surely angels are in disguise
surely angels are around!

 What else could it mean?
So many gifts in our sight
I don’t think its magic
but God’s gifts in flight

On the wings of an angel
from heaven they come
to celebrate life with us
with each rising sun.
-Alexis Cress

Do you have someone or something in your life (humans, animals, nature’s sights, smells, and sounds) that when you notice them, your heart overflows with warmth, with light? Take a moment to experience these gifts today. Maybe they are angels in disguise?

Blessings to you,

Alexis

advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education, love, poetry, volunteers

Dear Animal Rescuer

Dear animal rescuer
this message is for you

I know some days are tough
heartbreaking too
You secretly wonder if there are any
tears left to cry inside you

But, then you see the hope
and the love
return in the puppy dog’s eyes
He was alone and forgotten
barely alive
Remember, how you rescued him?
You gave him food and a safe place to be
Now look, 
he is running and playing
his tail wagging
with his new family  

And then you hear the loud purrs of the kitty cat
nestled next to your leg
She and her siblings
were tossed in the trash
left in a box, wet, almost dead

Remember, you rescued them too
from the garbage that day
gave them warmth and safety
a comfy place to lay

Your work makes a difference
dear animal rescuer
don’t ever think a different way

I would know
because you rescued me today.
Thank you! Xoxo Puppy
-Alexis Cress

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As someone who has worked in animal rescue, most recently in Costa Rica, I know much of the sadness, the hopelessness, that can be felt on a daily basis. When an animal is found tied up in a bag by the side of the road barely alive, or crammed into a box in the trash, or chained to a 3 foot lead left out in the sun and rain, emancipated, almost dead. These acts of neglect, of torture, can leave a heart ripped wide open feeling like there is no compassion left in the world.

But, when you see the light in the rescued puppy dog’s eyes, hear the hope in the kitty cat’s purrs, and feel the warmth of your heart as it mends and grows even bigger while tears flow from your eyes, you know it was all worth it. A life has been saved!

The animal rescuers, and those who advocate, volunteer, donate, and educate for the humane treatment of animals worldwide, you are the true heroes. Fighting for those who don’t have a voice, who are dependent on humans’ actions (or inactions) – whether domesticated animals or animals in the wild – Thank You!!! Everyday your compassion, your determination, your strength, help others wake up, give others courage to speak up, and help make change for the betterment of animals and the world.

There are so many amazing organizations in this world. But, here are some of my favorites near and far (I have many favs!): Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, El Refugio Costa Ballena, Perra Vida, Charlie’s Angels CR, Paws, China Rescue Dogs, Humane Society International, and SPCA International.

Dear Animal Rescuers – Thank You!!!

advocacy, education, love, poetry

Alexis Cress Yoga and Rainbow’s Light

About Me – the start of a new beginning

EARTH -my Strength. NATURE -my Healer. LOVE -my Voice. BREATH -my Teacher

Hi, my name is Alexis Cress. I’m a poet, activist, writer, yoga and meditation instructor, vegan, and a huge lover of all animals (wild and domesticated). This blog was originally created back in 2019 to showcase the awesomeness and uniqueness of shelter cats, especially the cats in Costa Rica where I am currently living. The blog was called “Norman’s Corner” because I adopted a beautiful orange tabby cat from the animal shelter El Refugio in Costa Ballena, Costa Rica.

While the blog will continue to honor his name, our Norman will take a much needed cat nap (he is still the best cat ever and continues to encourage the adoptions of shelter cats to everyone he meets, even while lovingly annoying his canine siblings!).

Because the blog has evolved into something much bigger, I will take over the writing of the blog. But knowing my sweet, but very vocal cat, I will have guest writers share their feline and canine knowledge once in a while. The blog will now include my poetry and excerpts from my poetry book “Rainbow Light in the Cricket Sound”, animal activism writings and educational materials to share (in both English and Spanish), spotlights of animal welfare organizations (and people) who are making huge differences in the lives of animals, and other topics that are near and dear to my heart. So, please stay tuned.

Share a blog post with others if it inspires and connects with your heart, and above all, be the unique, divine self you are meant to be today and everyday! And TOGETHER we WILL ease the suffering of all beings in this world.