Looking around!

A Kingfisher has an all round view of its environment. This posture of studying the scenes behind is an interesting aspect of its usual outlook. 

It is this habit of a bird, which calls us to be in touch with ourselves and all that is in our environment. 

We can turn our disturbing environment to be hospitable if we feel comfortable to be occupied with our mission without getting carried away by what would would need only a causal attention. 

What others say or do can be creative or disruptive. When it appears to be disruptive, it is important to stay centred in what we are called to be doing. Being hospitable to others who are disruptive is part of that accommodating attitude. 

It is our reactions to what needs no attention which distracts us from our focus. It is this consciousness which often helps us to 'renew our mind' by 'that which is good, and acceptable and perfect'(Romans 12:2).

The Kingfisher is a master of its environment because it knows what needs attention and what does not need attention!

I find this learning journey a worthwhile experience! There were some disturbing events in the last two years in the department where I work. This led to some changes in the department . Those changes brought about by people led us to the edge of collapse of an opportunity. I feel good that, we were enabled to look beyond and exercise our strengths without attempting to defend or counter opinions of others. We withdrew to our corner to stay focussed. Literally, that is what I felt inspired to do. I moved out of the room that was given to provide Out patient service and occupied the corner of the unused autopsy room. That was one step I took to deny myself of the comfort of a room as a self imposed step to be less comfortable, when I was portrayed by some as not being effective as a clinician. Since then, there was no turning back. The number of children seeking consultation has gone up by almost 200 percent! We have families who seek to visit us from other countries to get an opinion on the developmental prospects of their child. A family who came from Ireland yesterday told me, 'we are glad to be here because we feel welcome and given attention to ur needs'. 

Ou valleys are also a means to find new opportunities and move beyond the cross road we stay for too long occupied with our expectations. Instead, if only we can let go of our expectations and welcome the wind of change that would take us to new direction, then we are on the discovery path!

The Kingfisher reminded me of living with a sense of presence. On some days it is a long wait to find a fish in the stream! To go hungry is also part of experiencing living. Its rich colourful plumage and the elegant look symbolising its identity is rooted in its character of being an overcomer!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)