'W' For: Wisdom

We all have a "Me Day", when we crib about various things that have gone wrong in our lives. We feel totally sorry for ourselves, we shed silent tears, or sometimes we become very hysterical, we don't know whom to blame for all our misfortunes, we want answers.
We go into a total 'complain' mode, we find ourselves complaining about things, about people, about anything and anybody.
Being too engrossed with oneself, we lose sight of the things we already have, we take things we already have for granted, and go chasing after things, we somehow feel that we must have at any cost.

We have all gone through it, we cannot deny it.
How to come out this terrible "Me Day"?
We can, if we spend our time productively:

 we can talk to people who are more knowledgeable than us, people who have had some life changing experiences in their lives, and gain wisdom by interacting them. They maybe our parents, our friends, our teachers, or wisdom may even come up on us while reading some books, watching some TV programs, some movie, from anywhere, anybody, or anything, the possibilities are endless, provided we keep our eyes, ears and our mind open.

However, if we choose to drown ourselves in our own negative thinking, we are doomed forever.
Do we want to find ourselves trapped in our own self made prison with no escape, or do we want to demolish all our self imagined obstacles, and walk out free and really feel from the bottom of our hearts, the beauty of this wonderful world we are in?
This poem set me free, and I am sure, it would help you also to be thankful for everything you already have, and set you free from the most dreaded "Me Day"

Oh Lord, Forgive Me When I Whine
By Red Foley

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay, and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobbled down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
And as she passed she wore a smile.

Oh lord, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs, the world is mine

I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it’d do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, “I thank you, you’ve been so kind.
It’s nice to talk with folks like you. You see,” he said, “I’m blind.”

Oh lord, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
“Why don’t you join the others, dear?”
He looked ahead without a word. And then I knew,
he couldn’t hear.

Oh lord, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears, the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I’d go.
With eyes to see the sunset’s glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.

Oh lord, forgive me when I whine.
I’m blessed indeed, the world is mine……..

Clyde Julian Foley (June 17, 1910–September 19, 1968), better known as Red Foley, was an American singer, musician, and radio and TV personality who made a major contribution to the growth of country music after World War II.


For more than two decades, Foley was one of the biggest stars of the genre, selling more than 25 million records. His 1951 hit, "Peace in the Valley", was among the first million-selling gospel records. A Grand Ole Opry veteran until his death, Foley also hosted the first popular country music series on network television, Ozark Jubilee, from 1955–60.


He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, which called him "one of the most versatile and moving performers of all time" and "a giant influence during the formative years of contemporary Country music."


Biography from Wikipedia

Do share your experiences of your own "Me Day", and tell us, what set you free.

Wise Owl : A Woodland Indian Myth

There is an old saying, "wise as an owl". People are always saying that, but the truth is, owls were not always wise.


Once upon a time, a long time ago, the Everything-Maker was very busy, making all the animals and all the plants and all the rocks and caverns and everything else that covered the earth.


Owl had not yet been made. He hadbeen given a voice. And two eyes. And a head and a body and strong wings. Owl was waiting his turn to be formed. "I want a long neck like Swan," Owl told the Everything-Maker. "I want red feathers like Cardinal and a beak like Hawk."


"Yes, yes," mumbled the Everything-Maker. "Whatever you want. But you must wait your turn." The Everything-Maker looked sharply at Owl. "Your eyes are open again. You know that no one is allowed to watch me work. Turn around and close your eyes. I have no time for you now. I am busy creating Rabbit."


The Everything-Maker turned his attention back to Rabbit who was shaking with nervousness. "And what do you want, little rabbit?" the Everything-Maker asked encouragingly.


"Long legs and ears," Rabbit spoke softly. "And fangs. Could I possibly have a fang or two? And claws. I would dearly love to have claws!"


The Everything-Maker smiled. "I think we could manage some claws and fangs." He smoothed Rabbit's long legs and ears.


"Silly Rabbit!" Owl hooted loudly. "Why don't you ask for something useful, like wisdom?"


"This is your last warning, Owl. Be quiet and wait your turn."


Owl twisted around and glared at the Everything-Maker. "You have to do it," he hooted. "You have to give us what we ask. I demand wisdom!"

tawny owlet, originally uploaded by Dru Marland. This owl is so cute.

"I warned you, Owl!" shouted the Everything-Maker. He shoved Owl's head down into his body, which made Owl's neck disappear. He gave Owl a shake, which made Owl's eyes widen in fright. He pulled Owl's ears until they stuck out from his head.


The Everything-Maker snapped his fingers. "I have made your ears big, the better to listen. I have made your eyes big, the better to see. I have made your neck short, the better to hold up your head. I have packed your head with wisdom, as you have asked. Now, use your wisdom and fly away before you lose what I have given."


Owl was no longer a fool. He flew quickly away, pouting and hooting.


The Everything-Maker turned back to Rabbit, smiling gently. "Claws," he reminded himself. But Rabbit was gone. Rabbit had hopped hurriedly away, too afraid of the Everything-Maker to stay for his fangs and claws.


As for Owl, Owl knew if he angered the Everything-Maker again, he would lose all that he had gained. Even today, Owl only comes out at night, when the Everything-Maker is fast asleep. As for Rabbit, his claws and fangs are waiting. Perhaps someday ...

From the above story, we can see that the Owl had learnt a very important lesson, and this quote is so apt for it:

A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke ; the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird ~ Edward Hersey Richards.

I came across this quote, and thought I would write about the Owl, and get to know more about this bird from my blogger friends too.

I know in many parts of India and maybe in many parts of the world too, an Owl is looked upon as dumb, stupid and brainless, but I have read many stories, (this is just one of them) where an owl is said to be very wise, quiet, and always listening ..... I always felt, if only we could be like an Owl, we would not only be happy but also let others be happy too.

Tell me, what is your view about Owls, do these qualities inspire you?