I recently had the privilege of hearing Dr Jane Goodall speak at Sydney Town Hall during her global 90th-year tour, “Reasons for Hope.” Hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute Australia, the event gathered a crowd eager to hear the renowned primatologist and anthropologist share her wisdom and experiences.
Jane Goodall's unwavering dedication to conservation and animal welfare has inspired millions worldwide. Her message continually reminds us of the critical need to protect our planet and all its inhabitants. Her presence in Sydney was no exception, as her inspiring words lit up the audience and filled the room with a palpable sense of hope and determination.
Jane and chimpanzee Freud by Michael Neugebauer
One of the most moving moments of the evening was when Dr. Goodall shared a video of Wounda, a rescued female chimpanzee. She prepared us to be fully present: " Be silent as you watch. Remember there was only the sound of rustles of leaves and a few birds, so hold the moment.” Then the footage starts, and there is anticipation…… what is in store for us? We watched in awe as Wounda was released, climbed onto her cage, acknowledged her carer, and then enveloped Dr Goodall in a warm embrace for what seemed like long moments and then turned to walk into the jungle. A most moving moment in Jane’s life. Our invitation to be moved and then to act in ways to promote life, peace, kindness, and longevity.
Dr. Goodall’s gentle and thoughtful activism is a powerful call to action for all of us. She inspires us to take steps, big or small, to ensure the longevity of our planet. Her message encourages us to pause and consider something we might want to do to contribute to secure the vitality and wellbeing of our Earth.
Patience, humility and kindness all epitomised Dr. Goodall throughout her talk, qualities that have defined her life and work. She shared stories from her childhood, recalling her early love of nature and her desire to understand how things happened, the beginnings of her journey as a biologist and scientist. Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of following our purpose. Finding and living our purpose is not only liberating but also valuable, allowing us to feel more fulfilled and to be of greater service to ourselves, our loved ones, and the world.
Unconditional Loving is the most powerful gift we can give each other. Jane spoke of her mother’s unwavering support and encouragement, which played a crucial role in her early career. Her mother stood by her, chaperoned her on an assignment into the African forests. Judgement, criticism, presumption and expectation all bring us away from Unconditional Loving. Take the time to nurture your own inner aches and pains so you can be unconditional with yourself and others. Be open minded, curious and recognise our hurts and objections are ours to heal and manage. Reach out and share what is happening for you so others can know. Let go of anger and hurt so you can move to acceptance and loving. Of course, take care, be smart, know your own limits, suss the situation. And remember it’s all up to you! You can act, influence or choose a response — three powerful strategies.
As I left the talk, inspired by Dr Goodall’s kindness and care, I found myself awash with thoughts about what it all means and what actions to take next. She had spoken about the dark times we are in and the need for billions of us to hold onto hope and take action. This sentiment stayed with me as I navigated the rainy night, reflecting on a meaningful moment of kindness from a taxi driver. I seemed to be among the few with no umbrella, getting really drenched. I signalled to a taxi and he proceeded towards me. Then, a woman popped up and stepped towards his car to open the door. My heart sank, oh well, I will find a bus, a train, something. Then, he flashed his lights, and somehow was still proceeding towards me. I swiftly responded, walking up to him, tentatively opening the door and stepped in. I thanked him, as I had never experienced fairness and kindness from a taxi in this way. He declared: “I saw you first, you called me first and I was reserved!”. A small moment of kindness and recognition, how we show harmony and care in the world. Not being numb and getting lost in the mass of the unknown crowd, blocking out our humanity, instead stepping up and in. This gesture reinforced the idea that we are all interconnected and that even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact.
Dr. Jane Goodall’s visit to Sydney was a call to action. Her messages of hope, compassion, and the importance of every individual’s contribution to conservation left an indelible mark on all. She reminded us that, despite the challenges we face, we have the power to influence positive change and care for our planet and each other.
Image source: Jane and chimpanzee Freud by Michael Neugebauer, courtesy of The Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA)
Disclaimer: The Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse handling, interacting or close proximity to chimpanzees or other wildlife.
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