Many times on my Spiritual journey I have been amazed at the power of the collective consciousness to create, heal and change. Never was it more poignant and dramatic than on Sunday, October 20, l996. I remember the date so clearly because it happened to be my 49th birthday.

It was a picture perfect fall day in Iowa with crystal clear blue skies, gorgeous trees in their full fall attire and perfect temperatures in the 60’s. My friend Tiya and I decided to have a nice long horse ride before we headed off to the business of our day. I met Tiya at her beautiful farm with magnificent views, large oaks and rolling hills all around. I remember there was magic in the air as it was a special day for me. It was also a perfect day to enjoy our favorite pass time which was riding our horses across the land waves of Iowa feeling our connection with each other, our equine companions and Mother Earth.

As we headed off across one of the fields at a full trot with the sun and the wind caressing us, we came to an old barn and holding pen owned by a large farming family in our area. We had passed this barn many times and prior to this day it had always been empty. Today, however, the paddock was packed with cows bellowing and milling around. As we rode up to the fence we could feel how uncomfortable these cows were and how unhappy with their situation.

We created an intention that they would experience no pain and fear but that they would know they were honored and appreciated for their sacrifice. We also told them that every time we were blessed with nourishment from their race, we would remember them and thank them.

Living in Iowa, it didn’t take us long to realize that these animals were awaiting transport to a very unhappy ending. For years in the late ‘80’s and early 90’s I had been a vegetarian for just such a reason. My heart ached for their fate. My friend Tiya was having the same feelings. As we stood there on our horses looking into those big brown eyes we just felt so sad. We even seriously discussed what would happen if we just opened the gate and set them free.

As we were both years into our Spiritual journey, we realized that this would accomplish nothing. The cows would wonder around into roads and all about and, in the end, some would be harmed and most would find there way onto the trucks once again. We knew this was not the way to go. As we stood there we began to hatch a new plan based on higher consciousness.

We decided to create a new reality for the cows and for ourselves. We split up, each of us going to separate sides of the coral opposite each other. We breathed into our hearts opening them up. We then sent this love into the milling throng of cows. We told them how loved and appreciated who they are. We created an intention that they would experience no pain and fear but that they would know they were honored and appreciated for their sacrifice. We also told them that every time we were blessed with nourishment from their race, we would remember them and thank them. Then we stood there in silence just taking in the magic. Most of the cows grew still and many of them came to the fence and looked into our eyes. The noise lessened and only soft murmuring was heard. As we continued on our journey, we felt the day was again one of wonder and we felt blessed to have connected so deeply with these cows.