The habit of singing!

 

One bird that does not miss its morning and evening ritual of solo singing in our garden is this Tailor bird. For about three months, I have noticed this bird to be at the same spots in our garden, usually in three trees and engage in a prolonged tuneful bird call. It perches at the lower branches of the tree and moves up after its chorus of bird calls at each station. Because its bird calls are tuneful and high pitched it dominates and resonates in the air. 

Although it was cloudy and threatening to rain in the morning, this bird was at its usual station as usual. The light conditions were not good for photography at that time. But I could not resist taking some photos as its body gestures while engaged in the bird calls were more than captivating, as if the bird calls were from deep within.  

I like the way this bird gives away its gift of tuneful birdcalls by moving its head in all directions. For the bird, it is habit to call for finding its pair. But to me, it is a gentle way of a bird connecting with the avian world. 

During its bird call, it stays in one place and moves to the next station to begin again. 

A tailor bird is a small bird, but its tuneful bird calls make its presence well noticed in the garden. It does what it can do and does it habitually. 

I feel encouraged by this way of living. To be able to be oneself and do what one can give in every situation is what matters. In a driven world, where we strive to make a mark, one can learn another way of being present, by exercising our abilities and skills in self giving service. There is a  contrast between self promotion and self giving. 

It is one struggle that I feel is not easy to overcome. 

To feel noticed and complemented is an inherent urge which comes up time and again within me. To overcome that and return to be in a self giving role, needs revision of inner orientation or aspiration. 

To attribute recognition to others and add value to their lives, by keeping a guard on the subtle tendency for self-inflation, is a way of bringing wellness to oneself and others. 

A tailor bird sings for others! That is what it is able to do. It does it by habit all the time. 

Our domestic worker came running to take a heavy bag that I was carrying, during the gardening work. I was more than surprised that he noticed it. I felt moved by his thoughtfulness and sense of presence to help!

What a message to live with!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)