And then I was woken up by a loud ringing. It sounded like a doorbell. So i jumped out of bed - and nothing. I decided it must be a sign that it was simply time to get up. I made myself a latte - got together a plate of cherries and was ready to get myself on the terrace and start my Sunday ritual of a few minutes of prayer and meditation.
Then I stopped.
Sitting on my terrace, just beyond the glass doors was a bird - looking right at me, he was sitting next to my chair across the riot of bougainvillea. It was a a beautiful sight. It was as if he was saying - I've decided to rest here if you don't mind. So i stayed indoors and let him have my spot on the terrace. The funny thing was - he kept looking at me - as I was saying my prayers. In Kabbalah, birds are a symbol of Chesed, or mercy --- and it seemed as if the Light was sending me a companion to share my blessings with this morning.
Three hours later, my friend is still on the terrace - I've opened the door - and put a dish of water for him. He looked at me as if to acknowledge me and has now turned his back and sat down. He hasn't touched the water. He's very comfortable - he's looking at the flowers. The breeze is ruffling his feathers. He's being very present. And still. And he's teaching me about appreciation.
How many times have I sat on the same terrace had a cup of coffee - and just sat and looked out? Never. I've always been out there with a purpose - to tend to my garden, to read a book, to get on a phone call. But to be still and just appreciate the present moment?
How many times have I sat with a friend and truly listened and not fiddled with a phone or thought of the next place I needed to be?
So enjoy my terrace my little friend - am really happy that you chose to stop and rest here.
