I am the walrus

Hello again! Haven't posted for, let me see, at least a week. I haven't seen much, not been anywhere in particular and to be honest had very little to blog about... until now.

I was checking up on my linked blogs and came across Neil Randon's latest post. Oh dear - I recognise those symptoms. They are the signs of somebody getting mightily frustrated with his lot. I've been there (many times). I too have questioned why I do what I do. It is easy to get the hump.

However, being in a Zen-like state of calm and finding myself floating at least three foot off the ground as I type this, I can give Neil (and any other sufferers) my humble observations.

ONE
They are only birds (or plants, or moths...) They are not on earth to represent your worthiness.

TWO
What you have seen (or are going to see) has no bearing on your worth as a human being.

THREE
If there are those out there who do judge you on the length of a list or birding prowess, then their judgement is hardly worth worrying about - they are deeply flawed.

FOUR
Ask yourself why you go out to observe the natural world?  It almost certainly started because of an appreciation of what was before you and an inquisitiveness of what was there. Return to this default reasoning in times of stress.

FIVE
If you feel ill or tired STAY INDOORS. This isn't an SAS assault course that you are taking part in but an absorbing hobby.

SIX
If you are married, have a family or a job then do not fall into the trap of putting your birding ahead of them in your life's priorities. By doing so you will impress exactly who? And are they worth it?

I have now slowly descended back to the ground, the chiming cymbals of peace are sounding and an inner calm has washed clean my soul...

Goo goo ga joob...




Comments

Factor said…
I feel instantly refreshed! Getting a true perspective of life is crucial to well-being and a bank account that has money regularly flowing through it. Thanks Steve. Hypnotherapy session over for today - it went well. I'll make a point of reading your post as often as I can.
10 April 2012 at 13:50
Stewart said…
Hi Steve and Neil, this birding / naturalist mullarky isnt a hobby for some.

Me I suppose. It is me. Its what I have done all my memory and will always do, because that's who I am.

As for getting depressed about dipping a Ring Ouzel ( or a Rubythroat for that matter) never. There is always something else around the corner, sure as the day turns to night. I think some who come to this 'interest' later in life dont feel it. Its just like taking up photography or golf, something you can pack in when things dont go your way to move on to the next hobby. I wonder what thats like?

I have never had a proper hobby, something I have conciously decided to take up. For me one thing just melts or drifts into another. But all are along similar lines. I was saying to my mate the other day, I have never done a sport, for example, cos I dont speak the language, but with natural history even if I move to a new branch, the lingo is very similar.

My tip? Just do what you do, even if it is golf, without pressure, and enjoy it all, good and bad. You remember the poor days just the same as the good ones and it matters not one jot. Keep your mind and eyes open, feel the cold wind in your face and look forward to the next season... it will be here much to soon.

The end. Master.

( I was watching Kung Fu Panda the other day, I reckon it sunk in).
10 April 2012 at 22:19
Steve Gale said…
Neil: my bill is in the post.

Stewart: I too feel that I have been living with natural history for so long that I couldn't pack it in even if I tried. However, sometimes we can all get a bit dispirited with a perceived lack of reward (ie loads of time in the field but little result). The secret is to take that 'little result' and see it as a 'worthy result' - or not even quantify the time spent out in the field at all! I envy your obvious cool calmness. I strive for it but sometimes fall short.
11 April 2012 at 16:46
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