Bob, I think your concern for harming fish truly reflects your spirit’s compassion and understanding of the value of all living creatures! Your fish story reminded me about my departed daughter’s description of fishing in the afterlife. If you don’t mind, I would like to share what I’ve written about this….
“Believe it or not, spirits can even fish in Heaven. However, instead of hooking the fish or trapping it in a net, the experience focuses on expressing appreciation through a harmless “catch and release.” And because some spirits still desire the thrill of tracking animals, the sport of hunting also exists on the other side. Although no animal is hurt in any way, there are spirits that want to relive the activities associated with hunting. These could include a hunter searching in the woods while trying not to make a sound or sitting outside for long periods in a duck blind or deer stand. The objective would be to locate and then show admiration for the animal. The steps a spirit might take to enjoy fishing or hunting truly depend on the individual.
When Sam goes fishing, she puts a glowing light on the end of her fishing line (instead of a hook). From a shoreline, she casts out into the water. When a fish sees the glow, it has the option to accept the invitation and play along. If the fish is interested, it will put its mouth around the end of the line, and Sam will reel it in. Once it has reached the shore, the fish and Sam acknowledge each other. She said this is mostly done through eye contact. Then Sam expresses her appreciation and puts the fish back in the water.” (Taken from the book “Beyond What We Can See”)
Hi Beverly, that is both serendipitous and beautiful. As a former hunter and fisherman myself (I was raised in a family where my father, uncles, cousins, and friends all hunted and fished together), I followed the tradition because it was taught to me. When I was old enough to think about it for myself, I thought about the best parts of both sports and wondered why more people don't abandon the hunting of animals for photography. Truly the best parts were being in nature early in the morning as the sun was rising, witnessing the animals and birds in their natural habitat, and sharing it all with people I loved. The idea of capturing these animals on film just made more sense to me than taking their dead bodies home. The piece you shared feels to me like I could have written it because it captures so much of what I have come to feel and understand. Well done, and thank you for sharing your writing.
Thanks, Janee. It's interesting because I wrote this article for myself to help me process the experience, but I never shared it. I came across it recently and thought it needed to be said. As I wrote in the piece, I've learned that if I'm thinking it, I know lots of other people are thinking it too. I'd say the comments below this article are proof of that.
Hi Ann, your comment made me think of the movie Powder, about a guy who was struck by lightning and developed extraordinary abilities. There's a scene where he comes across a deer that a hunter had just shot. As he comforts the deer, he grabs the hunter's hand, relaying exactly what the deer is feeling into the hunter's psyche. It was obvious the hunter would never hunt again. An amazing scene that illustrates the power of compassion and empathy.
Hookless lures. I didn't know they existed. I used to love fishing as a kid and would like to fish now with my son-in-law. He loves to fish, but I know he feels the same way about hurting them. I see this as a way forward. Thanks! I love that you and your nephew have a bond and spend time together. I know it means a lot to you, but the dimension it adds to his long life ahead is priceless.
Hey Mary, hookless lures don't exist yet. I removed the hooks from the lures I had purchased. I did find a patent online for one. The design looked feasible, but it didn't seem to turn into a product that went on the market. Probably not enough interest. Thanks for your comments.
Bob, always a delight to read your stories - I feel as if I'm in your living room listening to you share a pleasant, interesting, and uplifting story. Than you for this, and bringing to the fore the idea of thinking about how what may seem like little things can be important, too.
Thank you, Bruce. You nailed it, actually. My friends hear my stories--in my living room or theirs--well before I write them. I use their interest with comments and questions to determine which stories turn into articles. I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
Bob, I think your concern for harming fish truly reflects your spirit’s compassion and understanding of the value of all living creatures! Your fish story reminded me about my departed daughter’s description of fishing in the afterlife. If you don’t mind, I would like to share what I’ve written about this….
“Believe it or not, spirits can even fish in Heaven. However, instead of hooking the fish or trapping it in a net, the experience focuses on expressing appreciation through a harmless “catch and release.” And because some spirits still desire the thrill of tracking animals, the sport of hunting also exists on the other side. Although no animal is hurt in any way, there are spirits that want to relive the activities associated with hunting. These could include a hunter searching in the woods while trying not to make a sound or sitting outside for long periods in a duck blind or deer stand. The objective would be to locate and then show admiration for the animal. The steps a spirit might take to enjoy fishing or hunting truly depend on the individual.
When Sam goes fishing, she puts a glowing light on the end of her fishing line (instead of a hook). From a shoreline, she casts out into the water. When a fish sees the glow, it has the option to accept the invitation and play along. If the fish is interested, it will put its mouth around the end of the line, and Sam will reel it in. Once it has reached the shore, the fish and Sam acknowledge each other. She said this is mostly done through eye contact. Then Sam expresses her appreciation and puts the fish back in the water.” (Taken from the book “Beyond What We Can See”)
Hi Beverly, that is both serendipitous and beautiful. As a former hunter and fisherman myself (I was raised in a family where my father, uncles, cousins, and friends all hunted and fished together), I followed the tradition because it was taught to me. When I was old enough to think about it for myself, I thought about the best parts of both sports and wondered why more people don't abandon the hunting of animals for photography. Truly the best parts were being in nature early in the morning as the sun was rising, witnessing the animals and birds in their natural habitat, and sharing it all with people I loved. The idea of capturing these animals on film just made more sense to me than taking their dead bodies home. The piece you shared feels to me like I could have written it because it captures so much of what I have come to feel and understand. Well done, and thank you for sharing your writing.
Thank you for echoing the awareness I have that I didn't think anyone else had. I am so glad compassionate awareness is spreading.
Thanks, Janee. It's interesting because I wrote this article for myself to help me process the experience, but I never shared it. I came across it recently and thought it needed to be said. As I wrote in the piece, I've learned that if I'm thinking it, I know lots of other people are thinking it too. I'd say the comments below this article are proof of that.
Bless your heart Bob, I totally agree. Now if they’d only outlaw hunting!
Hi Ann, your comment made me think of the movie Powder, about a guy who was struck by lightning and developed extraordinary abilities. There's a scene where he comes across a deer that a hunter had just shot. As he comforts the deer, he grabs the hunter's hand, relaying exactly what the deer is feeling into the hunter's psyche. It was obvious the hunter would never hunt again. An amazing scene that illustrates the power of compassion and empathy.
Hookless lures. I didn't know they existed. I used to love fishing as a kid and would like to fish now with my son-in-law. He loves to fish, but I know he feels the same way about hurting them. I see this as a way forward. Thanks! I love that you and your nephew have a bond and spend time together. I know it means a lot to you, but the dimension it adds to his long life ahead is priceless.
Hey Mary, hookless lures don't exist yet. I removed the hooks from the lures I had purchased. I did find a patent online for one. The design looked feasible, but it didn't seem to turn into a product that went on the market. Probably not enough interest. Thanks for your comments.
Bob, always a delight to read your stories - I feel as if I'm in your living room listening to you share a pleasant, interesting, and uplifting story. Than you for this, and bringing to the fore the idea of thinking about how what may seem like little things can be important, too.
Thank you, Bruce. You nailed it, actually. My friends hear my stories--in my living room or theirs--well before I write them. I use their interest with comments and questions to determine which stories turn into articles. I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
I agree with you Bob. Do no harm. I didn't realize that catch and release fish die soon after release. Sad
Yeah, it was easier when I was younger and didn't know it and also believed fish don't feel pain. Have a nice weekend, Joan.