Friday, June 19, 2015

Sitting With Chickens



I visit our chickens everyday. To feed them, to check their water, to collect eggs, and scoop chickenblogs. The goats, too, get regular visits and attention from me. But sometimes I sit with them, because they make the world, problems, stresses, frustrations, and shock, a little easier to face. I can watch them go about their silly and simple lives, and feel my breathing slow, my heart calm. They don't fuss if I'm crying, they don't say cliched things, or tell me to feel better. They take me as I am, flaws and all. Flaws and all... there's something to that. Chickens are great, and they are flawed, but there is no pretense, no shame. They don't wax, or wear concealer. A chicken doesn't get worked up over social media posts, or judge your style. If they could vote, they'd endorse clean air, clean water, clean food, room for everyone on good roosts. So, when I am with them, I find I can be myself, too, and appreciate the essentials, let go of judgement, self-conscious cares. And I can resolve issues, fix problems, manage to make an appreciable difference in their lives... that feels good, it's gratifying. It's encouraging.

8 comments:

Janece said...

Amira and I were just talking yesterday about the power of just being with someone. We were agreeing how difficult it is to see those we care about hurting or suffering... most especially when there is nothing we can do to fix it. I told her that just sitting alongside, being with, holding a hand, and just being there in that moment with them is a powerful act. She was hesitant to agree with my assertion until she remembered and told me about something that happened to her last week.

On the last day of school, a big group of Amira's friends where joyfully singing songs celebrating school being over for the year. Amira wasn't filled with joy but sadness. She was sad to see the year be over, to be graduating out of her MAC class and leaving the classroom community that she has adored all year long. She said she was standing to the side a little, watching them sing. She said she couldn't hold it in and she started to tear up and cry. One of her good friends, Alexia, was singing with the group... but she was aware enough that she saw Amira's tears. She stepped away from the group and sat down with Amira. She asked her what was wrong and Amira told her. Alexia replied, "I'm sorry, that's hard." and gave her a hug. She just sat with her a bit and Amira said her heart was really moved. Pretty soon, while the sadness was still there, she felt okay enough to join in with the larger singing group.

I asked Amira if Alexia fixed her sadness... she said no, it was still there. "She was just with me, Mom. She came over and let me know I wasn't alone."

Our pets are like this - in the purest form. They are just living, doing and being... and they allow us to sit with them while they do so... and it is a comfort and a balm.

Love to you, dear heart! ((hugs))

the momma said...

exactly.

gretchenjoanna said...

Chickens are great. :-)

susan said...

I love this post. I can imagine the pleasure you get from just watching them be - a lesson to us all.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

A little empathy goes a long way.
Love to you, too~

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Do you find a time and place where you can relax, get distracted, feel some peace?
I wish this for everyone.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

They are great... and smelly, and silly, and messy, but mostly great! hahaha

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you.