I have commonly seen that this tall tree top is occupied by different birds, one after the other, even before the sunrise. I suppose that the height which gives an overview of the space below and ahead is one reason for the birds to choose this station! It is from this station they give out the bird calls early in the morning.
For Anna and myself, the coffee served in one restaurant near our home is rich in aroma and taste, which make us gravitate towards that place, whenever there is an opportunity.
I have not noticed any bird chasing away another one to occupy this place.
While we can choose our preferences in our behaviour, we need to be sensitive to the needs of others.
That is what I learn from the behaviour of these birds. They share a common space and are regardful of others.
When I watch the political posturing in the countries where the national elections are due in 2024, I feel appalled by the language of cynicism, posturing, challenging remarks bordering to intimidation, and hateful proclamations reducing the worth of the opponent. Whether it is in the United States or in India, the politicians behave as if only party has the entitlement to be in power in a democratic nation.
Th language to displace and discredit the other political party is so natural to some campaigners, that we wonder whether sanity and regard for each other as humans have got buried in the pursuit of ambition and power!
I wonder whether this one sidedness, an exalted view of oneself and denigrating view of others in the opposition parties who pursue another radiology, would ever build communities and society!
What is even more disturbing is the way religious faith is used to appeal to the voters in the United States and in India to create a climate of emotional response! What people need is an education about the political ideology, whether it would pass the litmus test of promoting of wellness of all alike!
Therefore I want to celebrate the behaviour of the birds, who offer the 'pulpit' to each other and show the way of living of shared experiences regardfully and respectfully!
When my 'neighbour' does not come into the orbit of my relationship because he or she belongs to another faith or tradition or language or race, then 'love your neighbour as yourself' is only a utopia and not an experience.
Yesterday a neighbour brought food to share the joy of the birth of a grandchild; Anna visits a lady in our neighbourhood every day who has advanced cancer and is in distress...!
I hope our giving, forgiving and caring would be the seeds of hope for people with whom we live and relate!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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