Jane Goodall: Reason for Hope
Last Friday night I dimmed the lights, grabbed my blanket and settled into to an hour with Jane Goodall. The DVD is called Reason for Hope A Spiritual Journey, narrated by Harrison Ford it allows us to see this woman beyond her career.
For those who may have been living on another planet and don’t know who Jane Goodall is, she is a primatologist who dedicated her life to improving our understanding of apes and chimpanzees. The significance of her research and findings are too numerous to mention, but we now know how close we really are. Especially as it pertains to communication, behaviours and establishment of family connections. Shockingly, we saw through her video documentation, that dominance and anger can result in extreme acts of violence not previously thought to exist in their communities but certainly well documented in human evolution. This served in some ways to frame the context of hope. In observing chimps and apes making tools, hunting and caring for their family, the world was brought to a whole new understanding of these magnificent animals.
This PBS video followed her in Tanzania, Paris, San Francisco and England. Jane lives out of her small suitcase these days as she has made it her mission to bring the message of conservation to the masses. With the fast and furious devastation of forests normally inhabited by the apes, chimpanzees and many other creatures and insects, Jane’s priority switched from research to spokeswoman for protection. Her hope, to spark the passion of the next generation to see the value, take on the responsibility and be stewards of our precious lands and animals.
This glimpse of her life went beyond just following her around and listening to a recounting of life and experiences, it was a transformational video for me. We were invited to see this woman in her world, uninhibited, completely open, speaking about beliefs and going beyond the science she has dedicated her life too. She exposed herself so that we could see her spiritual side and connection to Gombe in Tanzania. In one poignant piece in the documentary Jane shares a profound moment in her past, a moment of pure clarity when nothing else existed; she was one with her surroundings in a way few will ever experience. Jane’s exploration of the human condition and the need to remain hopeful in a world that often wants to teach us otherwise is not only fascinating but inspiring. I came away cleansed.
In an upcoming post I will explain further what happened after the show had ended and what I learned about myself. I encourage everyone who is reading this to watch the DVD. You will have an opportunity to travel to places you have never seen before, hear the words of one of the greatest women of our time and come away possibly with a starting point for your own spiritual journey.
Jane Goodall: A Reason for Hope DVD
(If you buy from PBS you are also helping support Public Broadcasting which makes this even more special)
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There was a recent interview with Jane Goodall on the BBC(I think the show was called Hard Talk)and her resolve was steadfast as ever though I was saddened that the interviewer allowed his less-than-enthusiastic opinions of her life work to show. I felt like giving her a big hug for getting through that tough interview and I felt like blasting BBC for having aired anything less than tremendous support for the woman and her important work.
You’ve sold me! I’ve always been interested in Jane Goodall’s work and this documentary sounds fascinating. I’ll look for it.
Thanks Gillean.
It can be very frustrating when you watch someone so inspiring interviewed by a person who lacks the knowledge, ability or even interest. If you have the exact interview link let me know.
There is a HardTalk interview titled Life and Extinction parts 1-3 and it is already annoying to listen to the interviewer. However, I am always happy to hear a woman like this respond in a way that still gives us what we need from her appearance. I remember Annie Lennox once speaking about why she didn’t like interviews. She explained that many times she has sat in front of somebody who clearly couldn’t care less or in this person’s case may want to split hairs. Either way it takes a lot of patience I’m sure not to want to exit the room and/or keep focused on the message you are hoping to get across.
Jane is one woman who can hold her own thankfully.
Thanks for the comment and bringing additional interviews to my attention.
Excellent! You won’t be disappointed, there is both serenity and purpose reflected in this documentary. Enjoy and let me know what you took away from the viewing.
You’ve got me in on it. I will have to pry a copy away from the NYPL! Now, I cannot wait to see what your experience was.
OH, and I didn’t know you were a Candace Olson fan. I can see you working away with one eye on the design. . .
Lydia, you put a smile on my face! I’m really looking forward to hearing what your response is to the documentary too. It is fascinating when something moves me in such an unexpected way and I do hope you will find it equally interesting.
As for my love of all things Candice – already finished making some changes with colour and re-imagining existing furnishings. One step closer to a living room I can feel even better in. That is until I get another design inspiration.