I have been thinking about this for the last few weeks, how often we look sadly at the past and with angst toward the unknown future when the remedy is so simple. So simple and yet we live in a time when in the world the word Mindfulness is bandied about so much it has lost it’s meaning for people, one of those words that when used causes the listener, all too often, to just tune out. How many books are there out there on mindfulness? I think they are all important and I think it’s the most necessary and meaningful message of our time. Mindfulness, Love, Compassion. And tenderness too, tenderness toward the smallest things.
To have a bird of this size you have to have had parrot experience and all of my years running a non-profit shelter for disabled and unwanted parrots have served me well in rehabbing. handling and rescuing everything from the tiniest finch to the largest macaw or cockatoo. I have hand-raised a baby macaw, had cockatoos of all sorts but most were with me for a time until they were ready to go to a new home and they practically had to have an FBI background check to adopt the parrot.
Pug and Parrot Brothers… |
There is real love here, and the animals remind me to be present and mindful, and when I forget I may be nipped gently or have a dog jump up and bark at me, or feel a wet nose or beak against my cheek. I forgot, and they remind me, and I never stay down or out of focus for long. Too many little people to take care of here.
Super sweet post! I love your take on life!!!
I’m so happy you have such a love for your pets. It’s wonderful to have a bond like that for you and for them.
Wow! That was a lot of reading…but very interesting! I must say I like your writing style. Keep it coming! 🙂
What a lovely, lovely post, Maitri! I enjoyed every moment, and I too am so grateful for everything that I have – my family (including 2 beloved kitties), our little house, the trees in the backyard. I grew up in a highrise and every time I go out on the back porch and look out, I think about how lucky I am to be so close to trees, even in a city 🙂
One of our cats follows me around all day and naps near where I write, and purrs right next to my face at night. So wonderful. Some day I hope we have room for many many more cats…
xxx Lidian
That was such a lovely post, Maitri. It made me feel better just to read it. And I was tired because I have a deadline looming and still much to do. I’m so glad I took time out to read you.
God bless.
“There is no enlightenment outside of daily life.” — That is, without a doubt, a marvelous quote! Thank you for sharing that.
It’s funny, because I was just thinking recently how “there must be more to life than this.” Then yesterday, I thought to myself “this is what life is made of – daily living – what I dreamed of having as a little girl – I have all of that…what is my problem?” I’m raising a family, keeping a home (mostly – lol), and loving, nurturing and teaching my kids. That IS what life is about. I just need to let myself experience it and enjoy it instead of lamenting one what else I could/should be doing.
Beautiful post Maitri and what a marvellous selection of pictures so very natural.
It’s wonderful to have a bond like that for you and for them.This is fascinating to read.
Awww, Maitri. I can see that you really are just the sweetest soul. We should all be thankful that there are such compassionate, caring people like yourself around! We need so many more of your kind… 😉
What you said about the African violets…wow. It’s enough to make you think harder about what you overlook and pass up on a daily basis. We’re so trained to dismiss that which is considered “inferior”.
Great and touching post. Blessings to you! Namaste! 😉
And by the way, wow, that bird is HUGE! Hope he enjoys his new home! 😉
Lovely connection with your bird..
I’m sure Flounder was confused on where his mom went and had to take some time to adjust. He’s so very lucky to have found you, Maitri! What a joyous household you have there! Crazy, but joyous. 🙂
you and i are so alike…both are attune to animals and share that deep special love for them. Both of of us have many physical challedges,yet feel incredibly blessed. I love you,Maitri….with all my heart. I have hugged you a million times in my mind, my friend. xoxo
you and i are so alike…both are attune to animals and share that deep special love for them. Both of of us have many physical challedges,yet feel incredibly blessed. I love you,Maitri….with all my heart. I have hugged you a million times in my mind, my friend. xoxo
That is a big and beautiful Macaw!
Whoa…even for a parrot, he
sure is a huge bird..
Glad u both got along fine
though 😉