Life, Living , Learning - 19

A juvenile Magpie Robin moved between bushes in our garden yesterday, taking short flights. Its feather complexion did suggest that it was a juvenile bird. 

I remember watching juvenile Barbets and Bulbuls accompanied by both parents or one of them in the feeding table. The parent bird often fed the juvenile bird. 

What was a contrast with the juvenile Magpie Robin was its own feeding effort. It did find a worm in the grass. 

Thanks to its parent birds, the juvenile Magpie Robin was already a finder!

This transition from receiving to finding is an important change in the  behaviour of juvenile birds. They become independent from then on. 

Birds use a nest only during a breeding season. They make trees, bushes or grass their shelter, sometimes changing the place depending on the climate and feeding needs. 

The birds highlight the habit of transitoriness !

That is a message which is alien to humans in the current state of civilisation. The human instinct is to live as if what matters is longevity or permanence. 

The current pursuit to 'prolong life' and overcome the ageing process makes a strong appeal to follow life style modifications to live longer! 

I sense that even that pursuit adds to the stress!

The 'Happiness index' that is often quoted as a mark of wellness is low even among those who practice life style modification practices. 

I wish the shift would occur toward 'contentment'  while living !

The shift from acquiring more to being content with what is necessary is an orientation that some choose!

A consultant talked about the professor under whom he currently works, as one who uses a 20 year old car, and lives moderately, who conveys no greed or acquisitive passion. He lives soberly and mindfully! He seems to have 'lots of space' for others in his thoughts and attitude. He foresees the abilities of his younger colleagues and bestows upon them a readiness journey to live content !

To live contently is in itself a vocation !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)