Birdfulness

By Dr. Padma Shilpa Velkuru

12th September was the International Day of Mindfulness.

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, who developed the Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR ) program , in the 1970s – “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally” . But more often than not , the mind tends to be preoccupied with ruminating and worrying which can contribute to increasing stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.

Birdwatching can serve as an informal mindfulness practice.

According to psychology today ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/202106/the-joys-of-mindful-birdwatching), birdwatching can be a practice of mindful observation – not just a part of formal Shinrin Yoku ( Forest bathing )or a bird watching excursion , but observing the bird perched on your balcony or your surroundings –by taking time to:

▪️ notice its activity

▪️ fine tuning your senses to the rhythm of the chirping sounds (songs) and

▪️ reconnecting to the natural ….deep …….slow rhythm of your breath.

We can find ways to incorporate this simple yet relaxing mindful ritual into our daily routines to enrich, savour and live each moment wholly, mindfully.

Birds like nature are the best teachers, little informal practices like Mindful birdwatching can eventually free us from the cage of worrying and ruminating and help us notice the flight of the birds of our thoughts, with the mind as undisturbed as the vast, tranquil sky.

Birds can also have a spiritual significance - the Swan for example symbolizes light, divinity and spiritual enlightenment, guiding us to seek higher truths and connect with our divine essence. An Avian-themed Poetry by Henry David Thoreau for Quiet Contemplation:

Thou dusty spirit of the wood,
Bird of an ancient brood
Flitting thy lonely way,
A meteor in the summer’s day,
From wood to wood, from  hill to hill,
Low over forest, field and rill,
What wouldst thou say?
Why should thou haunt the day?
What makes thy melancholy float?
What bravery inspires thy throat,
And bears thee up above the clouds,
Over desponding human crowds,
Which far below
Lay thy haunts low?

Henry David Thoreau