It is only a husk!

As Anna and I watch Daphne and Dulcie having a regular tussle over a coconut husk, we feel reminded about the trivial things over which we engage others in arguments or verbal gymnastics. 

Both of them would insist on getting the same husk for a solitary play. We try distracting them with another husk but both of them would return to their game! Although it is only a game between them, we can notice how gratified one feels when either of them has got the husk to herself!

There is a truth about human behaviour well expressed in this 'power tussle'! Most of us have an instinct to control! It is this instinct which gets over expressed sometimes in a team environment which causes strain in relationships. 

I am not good by habit in letting go! Of late, some events at work place made me realise that in giving freedom and space to others liberally, they have better confidence to attempt difficult tasks.  

There is wisdom in letting go. Most of what we choose to let go are least important matters on hindsight! It is a win-win situation for everyone!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Closure of another day!

Every time I watch a sunset, I feel fascinated by the rhythm of nature in closing each day with the sunset!

 Some thoughts surfaced in my mind when I was photographing this sunset!

The sunset ushers in the night which is an invitation for physical rest for all humans. The sunset brings a pleasant temperature and a cooler night. The sunset also protects the plants and trees from too much heat of the day. It is after the sunset, some creatures and animals set out searching for their food. The sunset initiates many such essential activities for humans and the flora and fauna.

This closure of the day is a symbol of the rhythm of life! Just as there is day and night with different useful functions, the peek and valley experiences are two differently valuable experiences of life!

Yesterday, a senior colleague mentioned to me that ever since, he has had less to do in planning for an institution of which he has been a part of from its inception, he felt that it is a time of closure of this involvement and to begin something else. Although he feels excluded, he views it an occasion to wait for something better! 

His words came to me at a time, when we are struggling to find professionals who have long term commitment to the department where I work!

Every closure is a transition in to something better!

When the sun sets, the moon is on the horizon with its glow of hope!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

It's happening!

The T3 ward of the MOSC Medical college is getting renovated and modified to convert it to being the Hall of Residence for the developmental paediatrics department.

The final year students of the college helped us to raise some funds. The Christmas cheer sale brought in some gains. The hospital management is most gracious to undertake this major project with their liberal financial involvement.

All being well, we hope Hall of Residence is going to be ready by April, 2016 to welcome children for short stay when they need neuro-developmental screening and assistance. 

This journey to develop different facilities for the department has  been a challenging journey!

Yesterday a volunteer dropped in offering her help to be available for the Life Skill Unit we are contemplating to begin to help the adolescent girls with special needs in their transition planning! 

I continue to be surprised the way, this journey begun three years back is an ongoing journey of much prospects for children! 

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

Well done!

This group photo taken at the close of the badminton matches the present final year students organised for the developmental paediatrics unit for its christmas cheer fund, is something special because the the same team along with few others won the overall championship of all Kerala inter-medical badminton championship. 

Now all of them are seriously into their preparation for the final examination due for March, 2016. As Anna and I meet them in the corridors, we observe the same cheer and lightheartedness as seen in this photo. We admire them for their ability to live in the present moment rather carry the stress of the examination. 

We meet some of them in the college canteen now and then. They communicate warmth and affection, which mean a lot to us. 

This is the first batch of students at the MOSC Medical college, with whom we have had some regular contact! It has been pleasure to know them and keep in touch with them!

M.C.Marhtew (text and photo)  

Birds get used to humans!

Many birds who are regular visitors to our garden, often perch in trees in the perimeter of the garden, when they are new to the garden. Over a period of time they come to the shrubs and plants in the courtyard. 

I wondered about this! 

One of course is how Daphne, our dog responds to them. When she has seen some birds regularly she no more would bark at them. This increases the comfort level of the birds to come closer to the house. This bird is on a plant 10 feet away opposite Daphne's yard!

The other factor which has a bearing is the way humans respond to their presence. I am yet to fully understand how birds pick up cues of threatening and welcoming presence. I presume that, most birds  are comfortable in a less noisy and crowded setting!

I thought that our bird bath owl attract birds. But it is favourite place only for squirrels!

How to make our environment bird friendly is something that Anna and I are still working on!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Shades of Blue!

I am fan of shades of blue and my wardrobe is one of such!

I went on a journey into my memory lane to find the origin of my preference for blue shades. When I was at college, I had a favourite professor of medicine, who often appeared in shades of blue. It suited him well and he communicated gentle and caring ways. I revered him as my role model. I was in my early twenties then. In my final year, he got transferred to Bombay and since then I lost touch with him. 

Forty years later, I still carry with me my preference for shades of blue based on an impression that was formed then!

I made George and Eby pause for me last week for this photo after  complementing them for their shades of blue!

We choose our colours because of our choice, often formed early in life! It is a good practice to revisit our choices, attitudes and behaviour to discover their origin! This is one way of self knowledge we can cultivate which is a prelude to revise our life orientation if there is a need to do so!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Changing colours!

Among the several croton plants in our garden, this i sone of them that has drawn my attention recently!

The new shoots in the plant has a greenish tinge which changes int the brownish tinge over two to three weeks. So the plant has a blend of brownish and greenish hue all the time! The sunshine is its source for this change. 

This change in colour symbolises growth. When we grow we change!

Yesterday during a medical consultation, one mother told me that she is no more able to be patient and thoughtful as she used to be! She went on to share her traumatic experience in her family life because of which she has become withdrawn!

It is good to take time to pause and reflect as how life events affect our formative journey! There is more fullness and abundance resident within us. Does the environment bring them out to reveal the impact of growth or do we get subdued by our environment to live a reduced life!

We live in the sunshine of God! His presence within us is to make us more colourful and rich! A colleague narrating her painful experiences mentioned to me about new freedom and beyondness she found by trusting her future to God! She lives in the joy of that freshness she discovered in her faith journey!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)