I waited at a quiet wayside during my mid day walk, seeing two squirrels intimidate a wood pecker.
For a long time the wood pecker kept moving around this intertwined wood, protecting itself from being chased by them.
After about five minutes, the wood pecker flew away to a taller tree.
I have watched this complex situation often during my walks. The squirrels claim the right of way, whether there are warblers, parakeets or sparrows on their way. I noticed the wood peckers and blue birds moving away at the sight of the squirrels.
The wood pecker was forced to hide
There is another dimension of hiddenness. One chooses to withdraw, step back or move away from the usual profile of activities and pace for a specific purpose. The commonest way people practice this is by setting apart time for retreat.
A retreat is a form of 'abstinence' from the usual rhythm of daily living, and setting apart time for rest, reflection and renewal in a conducive ambience, which promotes inner quietness and solitude. It is during such times, we restore our energy level, refresh ourselves in prayer and meditation, and become present to ourselves.
We can live in a world of our thoughts, aspirations or ambitions far away from our true self, which is longing for love, affection and belonging. By staying away from music, TV viewing, phone calls and other hectic activities we can bring respite to our body and mind.
Jesus of Nazareth used to go away to the mountains, hidden from others for his time of solitude! Some of the significant events in his life such as choosing his disciples or healing a boy who had epileptic fits, or calming the sea when the disciples were caught in a storm, etc. happened after he returned from his aloneness with the ALONE!
To remain hidden for renewal is a calling!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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