Friday Reflections

Spread your wings, let your spirit soar.

Points to Ponder: Hummingbirds represent small things in life and their meaning. A hummingbird flying reminds us to enjoy life and simple pleasure. Like the tiny bird seeking the flowers’ nectar, we should be looking at what’s good in life

Story Line:Fascinating journey from Eggs to Babies to the final hug and goodbye kiss before the first flight.

Music:Very First Smile by Bellflower.

 

Since the spring of 2017, every other year these tiny little creatures called hummingbirds have laid and hatched eggs in our patio;In 2017 and 2021 in the same small string light and in 2019 on the tall plant by our window. This March, the mother decided to reuse the nest that was used by her predecessor in 2017. (environmentally conscious) 

First thing she did was to clean up the old nest with her long beak. On March 13th, she laid eggs and started hatching process. Two very tiny babies were born on  April 2nd. The video above shows the daily routine of mom feeding the babies, babies getting curious as they are getting older, training and preparation for the flight in the wide wide world. Very touching scenes were in last few days when Mom was training babies. Equally memorable scenes were; The babies cleaning theirs and each other’s feathers, spreading wings and flight preparation, the last meal served by mother and siblings saying goodbye to each other with hug and final kiss. After the kiss they seem to be pondering "Shall We" before launching their journeys into the world. I was a few seconds late in capturing first sibling’s take off but did capture the second one’s take off. 

Update:My apologies I failed to mention that Mom was injured on the 12th day after the babies were born and had slowed down (Dazed). We called wildlife center and also consulted my cousin who is Ornithologist. With thier guidance and kindness plus Grace of God, the Mom recovered on the 15th day and Everything turned out Ok in the end. 

Reflection: from an article Hummingbird Symbolism and Meaning by Garth C. Clifford. (Link at the end of this section)

Hummingbirds are some of the most incredible creatures on Earth. Their seemingly happy and carefree flight has something magic. These tiny birds are an important figure in culture and folklore. The unique characteristics of these birds made them an important spiritual symbol.

The smallest birds in the world have fascinated people since ancient times. The hummingbird’s interesting characteristics attracted people’s attention and made it a powerful symbol. To understand what does a hummingbird symbolizes, we first must learn about the bird’s traits. The hummingbird can fly backward, and its wings beating up to 80 times per second create an insect-like sound. Hearing this buzzing sound around the flowers reminds us of little things in life and their importance.

Hummingbirds represent small things in life and their meaning. A hummingbird flying reminds us to enjoy life and simple pleasure.

Like the tiny bird seeking the flowers’ nectar, we should be looking at what’s good in life.The hummingbird is capable of flying long distances to reach the destination. This is why the hummingbird symbol is associated with endurance and perseverance. A hummingbird’s fly reminds us to be adaptable and accept changes.

The symbolism of the hummingbird is also linked to the idea of eternity and infinity. Bird’s wings move in the pattern of figure eight, the ancient symbol of continuity. So what does it mean when you see a hummingbird? The hummingbird symbolic meaning is a positive one. Hummingbirds mean we must expect love, joy, and good luck.

More details about Symbolism and Meaning in different cultures is in the following article.

https://www.worldbirds.org/what-does-a-hummingbird-symbolize/

 

The Successful Man is Himself

POINT TO PONDER 

 

In all my years of coaching, I have never been successful using somebody else’s plays..  - Vince Lombardi

 

STORYLINE: Muhammad is not talking, The fight that Ali lost.

 

Muhammad Ali was set for his first fight against Leon Spinks, an unknown boxer who had only six major fights in his career. Leading up to the fight there were a few things Ali did not do that were part of his normal routines before fights. 

 

He did not prepare as hard but also noticeably was his silence before. In all fights before he was very vocal about opponents, making statements, poetries how he is going to humiliate the opponent. Basically he used to Psyche them out and Psyche him up mentally for the fights. This was also a key factor in his winning fights where he mentally screwed up opponents even before the fight. 

 

From what I had heard, he was advice to be modest before Spinks fight and he decided to stay complete silent when reporters would approach him for questions, refused interviews . He would turn away and walk away when microphones were put in front of him.

 

And you know what happened? He lost that fight against very junior and unknown fighter.

 

 

REFLECTION 

 

One cannot tell what exactly was going through Muhammad Ali's mind leading up to the fight. But what one can learn is that he deviated from what was typical to him as a fighter. That was enough to mean the difference between a win and a loss. The moral? Always fight your fight. 

Spring in full bloom at Hakone Gardens-Happy Week

Point to Ponder: What is this life if full of care, We have no time to stand and to stare...

Story Line: Enjoy the following video about Spring in full bloom at Hakone Gardens.

Hakone Gardens

 

A Daughter May Outgrow Your Lap, But She Will Never Outgrow Your Heart

 Photo by Louis Liang (4/9/2011)

Story Line: A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. (originally published on 4/15/2011)

Reflection: "All the precious time Like the wind, the years go by. Precious butterfly. Spread your wings and fly.
She'll change her name today. She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her. She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl." 

She leaned over

Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there, Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time." "Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right. To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is. I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses..."  song by Bob Carlisle

Analisa and Dave's wedding was attended by families and friends representing many races, religions, national origins and cultures of six continents that I could identify. That reminded me of a line from one of my favorite songs: "There is so much that we share that it's time we're aware, it's a small world after all."

Update 4/9/2021 (on 10th anniversary):

Through The Years

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Akshar(E): Thinking outside the box for Education, Environment and Empowerment.

   

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Point to Ponder: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

Story Line: For past month I was thinking of an appropriate story for this special week of Good Friday and Easter. As an old saying goes “Things come to you at a time when you need them the most to get to the next stage, but you must learn from those things first.”

Two weeks ago childhood friends shared information about Akshar, a foundation and the school in Assam, India that accepts plastics (bottles, bags..) as fees in exchange for practical education and also uses innovative approach to utilize child labor to eliminate child labor Child Labor. Many of these children would have otherwise been working as laborers to earn living for their families and they would have never gotten an opportunity to go to school. It was fascinating to see out of the box approach for three Rs’ (Reduce,Reuse,Recycle) in all aspects of their operations.

Last week I had a good fortune to attend a short talk by the founder of Akshar, Dr. Alaka Sharma who has dedicated her life in the service of poor people and indigenous tribes in North East India. At the age of 22, she left her home in Mumbai to help people in the faraway land. In 2014, together with her daughter and son in law they started this school that has created a paradigm shift in education. Vision: Teach them how to save the world.

Instead of writing details of their approach and results here, I would like to share comprehensive and inspiring information about this organization that is already presented well in the website.

I believe their story of service to people in need is timely and appropriate to review and reflect for this special week. 

Mission, Objectives and Key Results

https://www.aksharfoundation.org/

Accountability: Also please look at their annual reports in the following section:

https://www.aksharfoundation.org/media

Reflection: In the past 16 years of over 700 posts, there are just a few stories that have classified under all seven values of Friday Reflections. This is one of those rare stories that is true to FR motto: Things that are given away are never lost and all seven values; Passion, Assume Responsibility, Keep on Learning New Skills, People and Relationships, Flexibility and Performance and Results.

In the words of Mother Teresa “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”  

Happy Easter to Friends around the World