The summer months are harsh on the vegetation. But the flowers and fruits appear to overcome the day time scorching heat. The garden is green and homely!
It was while watching the above sights, I noticed the Magpie robin arriving at the water birth. One robin, who came first to sip the water from the bowl, made several bird calls, to which another robin responded . Although other birds did not turn up, I watched this robin in its chorus of bird calls for a while!
This is mindfulness to say the least!
In human language it is altruism.
No wonder, that the ecosystem around us thrives because, there is a practice of the ecological ethics of mutuality!
In spite of considerable pressure on Israel, to withdraw from hostile approach to the Palestinians, that country seems to have no heart for those who are forced to live in extreme deprived situations. The government of Israel appears heartless! The government of Israel is hostile to its neighbour.
It was therefore refreshing to see the Magpie robin's effort to announce about the bird bath!
The parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus of Nazareth spoke in response to a question, 'Who is my neighbour' came to my mind, when the Magpie robin was engaged in its incessant bird calls.
The Magpie robin was a messenger of the instinct to care. The domestic helper who lost his sister-in-law yesterday, narrated to me of many memorable experiences of her kindness towards his family. When his house was being built, it was his sister-in-law who carried stones from the road to the construction site.
I felt moved by that recollection, of how much she was mindful of others, even when she was failing in her health in the recent weeks.
There is another way of living- living mindfully of others!
A garden is a silent witness to the practice of relational mutuality!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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