Figure things out

Birds and squirrels can teach us how to figure things out.

After getting fed up with chipmunks and squirrels occupying the bird feeder in our backyard, I bought a “squirrel proof” bird feeder. I really enjoyed watching 20+ birds perching and feeding again, while the squirrels and chipmunks ate the seeds that had fallen to the ground.

Finally, harmony achieved, I said to myself!

Only to find that after a day or so, the long-tailed visitors found their creative way to access the feeder…by hanging upside down and once again, eating up most of the feed. It was like they were stuffing their little mouths while in a headstand.

What a parallel to real life, I thought!

In business and in life, we constantly need to respond to the changing environment and find new creative ways to respond.

Sometimes we are like the birds having the freedom to come and go, and sometimes we need to be like the chipmunks and squirrels: being relentlessly creative to figure out a new way.

Personally, the scene also reminded me of Pema Chödrön’s quote: 

"Nothing Ever Goes Away Until It Teaches Us What We Need To Know." 

In fact, as I watched the feeder, I had a major aha moment with regards to my work project! The reflection was incredibly liberating and I quickly implemented a new strategy.

Does Pema Chödrön’s quote remind you of a situation, an experience or a lesson in your life?

With love,

Edita