So much of our time is spent doing this and doing that, running here and there in mad pursuit of some goal, only to find that in a week or a month or maybe even a day it will be deemed totally irrelevant. I know some days I have trouble finding the time to go to the bathroom. But at least I have learned to recognize that when I get into that state, the very best thing for me to do is to stand still for a moment, breathe deeply, and absorb my surroundings. It is then that I can see what is happening around me, notice the delicate features of Life Being Lived and Love Being Shared.
This little Thoreau-ean disport was sparked by an accidental discovery of a wonderful little blog called Hedge Sociey. The blog itself is about art, books, and other wonderfully beautiful bauble, but its inspiration comes from the author's observation of the birds outside her office. Despite whatever the headlines scream, irregardless of Holidays, the birds would gather to talk amongst themselves. Were their songs a comment on the seemingly irrational behavior of the colorful bipeds scampering around below? Or are they a debate amongst themselves about what to do about the cat creeping up the tree? Or perhaps a celebration of the discovery of some especially tasty seeds or berries? One thing is for sure - they were singing, and it was beautiful.
Father Winter is riding his sleigh towards my area as I type this; tomorrow I'm supposed to take wing and migrate to warmer climes for a week. Should I fret about delays, cancellations, and inconveniences? Yes, I have obligations to fulfill and No, I don't have money to burn, so I must stay realistic in my behaviors. But my attitudes need not be compromised. When I was a kid, I used to dream about flying. Now I groan with the thought of dragging unwieldy baggage around an airport and suffering the indignities of security checkpoints and trying not to sound selfish and self-centered to overwhelmed ticketing agents when I'm asking about alternative methods to get me out of the snow and slush and into the sun and warmth.
How the Hedge Society must delight in watching such silliness from their perch on top of the tail of my jetliner. Or, perhaps, they're just concerned with taking care of each other, helping each other find food and adequate shelter, and keeping a safe distance from the cat. They must, I believe, delight in their aerobatics through the dancing snowflakes. I know I delight in watching them.
So the question for myself today is, what kind of society do I choose to live in?
I think I know the answer. A little bird told me.
Take care,
Brian Fallon
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