JOYFUL PIECE #107
Unexpected Joy
As I was getting out of the car I noticed a truck, and a family of deer had gathered at its tailgate. We have many deer where I live, and some citizens consider them pests. The deer feast on landscapes, especially flowers, and subsist in our heat on the moisture in the vegetation.
I was thrilled to see an employee of the establishment that I was visiting feeding corn grain to the deer. This is very much discouraged by Homo sapiens sapiens (HSS) dwellers in the area who want fancy landscapes and the ability to romp through our streets at speeds hazardous to both HSS and deer. I approached the lady, and we recognized each other. I thanked her for taking care of beings who predate us in these lands. It turned out that she not only feeds them out of her own pocket but also has provided a water tank where the deer can drink in the heat of summer.
It was joyful to watch this deeply compassionate act.
Through all of the current challenges, even as we resist fascism, live the moment as it comes. Through the soft breezes and the storms, stay in the moment. Remember this meditative poem:
Breathe in, breathe out. Deep, slow. Calm, ease. Smile, release. Present moment, wonderful moment. —Thich Nhat Hahn
There is joy in compassionately feeding others.
We have 3 fawns that sleep in our flower bed while momma goes foraging. It’s sweet because their ears above the flowers give them away😂
I love Thich Nhat Hahn's books. I have many of them. Here, the city discouraged people from feeding wildlife and if seen doing so, you will have to pay a fine. Woodlots are being cut (more like raped) to make place for high-rise buildings and condos. Hardly any green spaces left. We infringe on wildlife habitat and people complain that wildlife is a nuisance. I used to see dear in the park but between the homeowners and the traffic the poor deer met their fate. Very sad indeed. We need more people like the lady you met. Sorry about the rant!