I observed the habits of birds, when they are perched hedges on a tree. Most birds find a secure place as in the first two photographs to hold on to a resilient branch. The next three photos show the Mynah was perched on a slender branch.
It was, then it occurred to me that the Mynah did not need a strong branch to perch on t feel secure. It relied on its ability to fly and protect itself in case the slender branch gave way.
What a consoling thought!
The resilience to stay safe is in the wings of the birds and not governed by the strength of the twig the bird is perched upon.
That brought an inner conversation within me about the way I am used to view difficult situations!
The recent example has been when I was caught in a traffic hold up. With little space to left to have a choice except to follow the vehicle in front, I noticed some honking, some others breaking the queue and moving forward when there was a little space to make a force entry, and some others waiting patiently.
The impatience of many and the patience of some became a lesson to ponder upon!
When do we grow in patience! It is when there is a quiet and gentle confidence, comfort and trust that one is able to negotiate through a difficult situation. The impatient behaviour is an indication of stress or turmoil, often a sign of preoccupation with oneself! When the attitude of 'me, myself and mine' dominates we lose sight of what is beyond and attempt to press forward by grabbing what one is wanting!
This inner orientation of comfort and hope is what gives many resilience. The external situation can be hostile or stressful! But that does not become a reason to pursue a path for oneself unmindfully of others!
A bird's strength is in its flight.
Its strength is both inherited and acquired. A bird is born to fly and develops the flying skills by practice.
That is a thought that inspires me. Each of us is endowed with skills and abilities. How early we discover them and exercise them to allow the unfolding of them is a personal choice each of us has to make.
After about 25 years of having had an interest in birds and flowers and used photography to capture the scenes that called my attention, I realise how reflection on birds and flowers became an inner upbuilding experience in life. Most of the blogposts in this blog are narratives related to birds and flowers.
The reflections on this blog contributed to the inner growing experience during these years.
Some of the difficult and turbulent experiences in life occurred during these 25 years. The inner fortitude that a reflective learning journey offered protected me from the adversity of situations.
The inner strength is God's gift as much as we receive them and internalise them!
The bird's strength is in its flying!
Our strength is in our openness to God!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
