Nature is vital to all of us, to every living being. I often wonder how anyone can ignore what gives us so much joy and quite literally keeps us alive.
For me, this awareness comes deeply from my cultural roots. In Peruvian culture, we believe that every animal, every mountain, every river has a soul. When we take something from nature, we ask for permission or forgiveness, because we understand that we may be causing disturbance, pain, or even death. This understanding creates a deep sense of responsibility and respect toward the natural world.
Later in life, Hinduism reinforced this belief even further. The idea that everything carries a soul, and that the divine exists in all living beings, felt immediately familiar to me. These two traditions met very naturally within me, as if they were always meant to speak the same language.
Nature and animals have profoundly changed the way I live. They influence my diet, the products I choose for dance and daily life, and my awareness around refusing plastic bottles whenever possible, or reusing them when there is no other option. I also try to support and donate to people who genuinely care for animals and the environment.
After moving to Mumbai, I found inspiration in many people. One of them is my bird’s veterinarian, Dr. Rina, who runs a rescue center for exotic animals. Witnessing this level of dedication reminds me why compassion matters, and why every living being counts.
I truly hope that in the future, more people develop empathy for all forms of life around them, and understand that we are in their world too, and we must learn how to share it.
