A few days ago, I sat in my self-described Grotto of Zen.  A small rock garden existing in the corner of my yard where I have hung Tibetan prayer flags and installed a small Buddha.  My place for mindful meditation. 

It was a brisk morning.  I had just finished my 10 minutes of Mindfulness (using Sam Harris’ Waking Up app www.waking up.com).  Sitting in my Adirondack chair, perhaps procrastinating until I moved on to the rest of my day, I fixated on several bird feeders about 20 yards away.  The interplay of the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks on the ground, in the trees, and through the air entertained me.

They flew or scurried in and out of my consciousness. 

After a few minutes, I was struck by their coexistence.  They moved in a orderly manner from a feeder, to a tree, to the next feeder, on and then off the ground.  Very little conflict occurred between them.    On the ground, the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks picked at the remnants of food falling to the ground from the feeders above or another’s leftover seeds.

A break in the action….now the next shift swoops in.  Just as orderly as the prior one.  This continues for some time.

It struck me that their behavior is instructive for us so-called sentient beings. An allegory perhaps.

These “lesser” species cooperating and co-existing. Without a spoken word.

Enjoying the sweet smell of early fall air, I took in the chirps and squeaks of the birds and their friends. 

Most importantly, I took the time to Stop.  Listen. Observe. Hear.  It was very instructive as I transitioned to my day. 

I observed and covered my breath.  I absorbed the singing above.  It soothed me. 

I took a break.  I listened and I breathed. 

For those few moments, my mind was focused and I was not distracted.

It was a welcome change.