Annan and I were fascinated by the two ducks and a turkey in along conversation for a while, in the Glorious promised land farm house. They chuckled to each other in different tones and loudness. They looked, listened and reciprocated with attention and interest. Our presence did not deter them or distract them. Till they were called for their feed by the care giver, they were in this conference. The care giver told us that they often have this meeting in the evenings. His guess was that they arrived around the same time in the farm house because of which they bonded well. According to him, it is not common to for a turkey to bond with two ducks. He also added that even the dogs in the campus do not chase these birds. They co-babit well.
Only the next day, we realised the possible reason behind. The care givers give attention to feed, bathe, walk the animals and delight in being with them for long time, which temper them to be relational. The care givers love the animals and are gentle with them. On one occasion, a black cocker spaniel dog escaped from the leash and and the two care givers tried to trap him, but he enjoyed the fun of being chased by them. Obviously tired and breathless, the dog came and rested at my feet. The two boys, stroked him and gathered him in their arms. They showed kindness and not anger.
What determines the behaviour of others is our behaviour towards them. Yesterday some students dropped in to have conversation. The Medical college is getting ready to welcome the first year students next week. The conversation was about welcoming them. I wondered why, sometimes senior students are rough with them . One of them said, 'we too were treated harshly'.
It is common to reciprocate similarly to a good behaviour. True goodness is when one can reciprocate to an unreasonable behaviour with kindness and goodness. Human behaviour is an expression of an inner state of wellness.
Those who are older are to lead the way by showing goodness all the time.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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