There is a territorial boundary at least in my opinion between the butterflies and the bees. I have noticed this a few times in our garden.
The butterflies hover over the lantana or other larger flowers and the bees go to the butter cup flowers. So it was a surprise the bee approaching a flower where a butterfly ha positioned itself for its feed. The bee turned around and flew away.
It seemed to be in alignment with the boundary confinements they follow.
What surprised me was the ease with which it happened. The birds when they have a territorial dispute chase the invader away fiercely.
This is an entitlement behaviour where the first ones to arrive in a territory have the control over that territory.
This is a human behaviour as well.
The senior medical students exercise control over the first years. Those in senior positions of responsibility justify to 'lord over' others below them in the hierarchy. An older brother or sister might keep the younger siblings under their control. A husband might behave dominantly towards his wife. Such forms of entitlement behaviour is all around us.
Jesus of Nazareth had a contrarian view and practice. He said: 'I am among you as one who serves'!
To serve is to look after the needs of others and genuinely receive them as companions and colleagues.
The butterfly and bee respect each other's space and domain! That is relational existence!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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