Do you know why Sparrows have Disappeared?

When was the last time you saw a little sparrow sitting on a tree branch or a window ledge?

Some people say it is because of the mobile telephone towers, whose electric currents have been making them infertile. Others say that with the drying up of water bodies, they die of thirst in summer. Whatever may be the reason, be aware that we owe it to ourselves to protect the tiny and helpless creatures the sparrows and pigeons, the frogs, the squirrels who live in perfect harmony in urban areas along with human beings, and actually help us in many ways.

We too can find ways and means of making them feel welcome and safe. Small amounts of left over food kept out on the compound wall or terrace can be a sumptuous meal for them. Having a pond in your house will be a source of joy for them. If you are creative, you can even set up a water harvesting system in your house, whereby you collect rainwater from the terrace and other areas, and channel it into a container. This water can be used for washing, gardening, flushing, etc.

Another simple task: Find a nice open ledge in your house and put a shallow and wide plastic or tin container where it is easily visible from the sky. Fill it with fresh water every day, and see how quickly some birds discover it and use it for their daily drink. I have a crow who regularly brings stale pieces of roti, bread etc., drops them into the water bowl I have kept on the balcony, and comes back after an hour or two when his food is softened by being in water, and then happily enjoys a hearty snack !

To make our world a better place, you too can play your role by partnering with these little creatures who will not only help you maintain an ecological balance, but will also become good friends. When you have the time, sit quietly and watch the scampering of squirrels – it is wonderful to see their graceful movements, the games they play with each other, their search for food, and the way they enjoy even a small morsel. They will teach you how to live happily with the least luxuries.

SELF AWARENESS

We seek power over others, but do I have power over myself? Can I be calm and rational when someone criticizes me?

1. Person whom you need to know best is yourself – befriend yourself
2. Think of your oldest childhood memories – relate your current life to it.
3. SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
4. List out all your characteristics – check with a good critical friend – check both good and bad qualities,
5. how you imbibed them, how comfortable you are with them
6. Similarly, list out your strong attitudes – find how they developed – resolve if needed
7. Keep in mind that: You can only change yourself

Awareness of one’s own feelings is the first step towards building Emotional Intelligence. Awareness leads to action towards change. Without proper awareness, you may go off into wrong direction. Awareness also helps you to widen your choices.

1. Ask yourself: Are you a pawn or an originator? Are you pro-active about your life?
2. When work is  loaded on you, what do you feel? How do you motivate yourself?
3. Find what you are good at doing, then find someone to pay you for doing it.

APPEARANCE: Dress makes a great deal of difference, not fancy or expensive, but tasteful and suitable dressing. Remember that your dressing makes the other person conscious of himself or herself, and hence his/her way of interaction will vary based on it. It is said that a smiling face looks more beautiful ?. Smiling is a habit that needs to be built up.

ACTION POINTS for IMPROVEMENT:

1. Do first the task you like least.
2. Get into the habit of writing down your list of jobs
3. Give yourself a pep talk or positive affirmations daily
4. Don't wait for things to improve.  They never will. Procrastination is a debilitating habit.
5. Use action to cure fear -- do what you fear.

Almost without exception, all successful, happy or self-actualized people have a habit of doing continuous self-introspection. They find out from time to time where they are headed. They do not get unduly carried away either by praise or by criticism. They are justifiably proud of their talents and abilities, and are aware of their limitations and accept them. You too can be like them, if you start making the effort – NOW.