If a large bird were to come to claim this tree space these small birds would fly away to another place. They are not possessive or quarrelsome.
In one sense, it is this thought that has lingered in my mind during this week. How much have I have been willing to let someone take my legitimate space and still be content with it.
Those who choose to be quietly present are likely to be marginalised. One can stay feeling marginalised or one can use the situation to turn into an opportunity. It is one thing to experience the drama played out by others reducing one's significance or abilities, but it is yet another experience to learn to live above that and be generous towards everyone with kindness and attention.
A child returned to where I sit and shook hands and said 'thank you'. His was a good will gesture because, when I examined him, he did not like his reflexes or pain sensations tested.
Often we might live alone in our private space; but how we welcome those who cross our path is a sign of the openness with which we live. A flower once open is a place of traffic for insects, bees, butterflies because it provides nectar.
Finally in the journey of life, what matters is not how much we feel recognised, but how much we have been providing for the wellness of others.
I saw this in a touching way yesterday. A two year child seated in her mother's lap was crying . A four year old child brought a toy and gave to him, which turned his attention to the toy and he stopped crying! The two year was not mobile. Sitting about ten meters away from the toy shelf, he would have longed to fetch one and play. When the four year old child recognised it and responded to it, it created a new experience for the crying child.
To live mindfully of others is a way of living. The space from which we reach out, large or small does not matter. Can I bring some cheer to someone today!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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