Zakiyha and the Pigeon- Compassion for all beings
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels
On Earth Day 2020, our co-founder Vicky shares a beautiful experience of connection and compassion in her local park.
Even though we’re in lockdown in the UK, exercise is still really important for our health and well-being. And being in nature is so good for our mental health, if we can access it. So on Monday I went for a gentle walk around my local park.
I don’t know if it’s because, like most of us, I don’t go out as much now, or because there was less noise, or because I wasn’t in my usual rush. But the rustling of the leaves, the colours of the flowers and the music of the birdsong seemed so much stronger, brighter and more beautiful than usual. It truly filled my heart with joy - and felt like a welcome respite from the troubles of the world.
I spotted a pigeon lying in the sun, close to the public footpath, but something didn't seem right. I felt the urge to send some love and compassion and wished it well (as you do!) and continued on my walk. Because the green space felt like such a nourishing place to be, I decided to take a scheduled call where I was instead of rushing back.
After my call, I decided to do one more lap and saw that the pigeon had sadly died. As I moved closer, a little boy around 7 years of age also approached and asked “Is the pigeon ok? I think he might have died!”
I agreed. He asked if I thought the bird had gone to heaven.
“MY SENSE IS, YES.”
I imagined for a moment what bird heaven may look and feel like; palm trees and berries? Perhaps pigeon paradise would be street food and fountains. Who knows! :)
The little boy gave his name as Zakiyaha (which means bright and pure) and asked me if I was a Christian. To which I shared that I have a love and respect for all religions and cultures, however I’m not attached to one in particular, as such. “I guess my religion is love,” I said. He smiled and suggested that we say a prayer for the bird.
Keeping a careful “lockdown distance” from each other (and the pigeon, just to be safe), I asked him if he wanted to say the prayer out loud or in his head. “In my head,” he replied. We closed our eyes, placed our hands in prayer and gave our silent wishes for the dead bird.
Zakiyha then suggested that we cover it up to protect it from the flies so, whilst still keeping a safe social distance, we went to gather leaves.
Having a hands-on connection with nature can feel so powerful. I felt like I, too, was a child again! I was in the moment, fully present, filled with kind care and curiosity - and not in my head, in my usual rush.
He took me to a great spot with big leaves and a beautiful robin flew over to join us. “I’ve never been this close to a robin before!” Zakiyha shared. I said that the robin must feel safe in his company or it wouldn't come so close, which made him smile.
I asked Zakiyha who he was with in the park and he pointed out his grandfather, who was gazing over lovingly in the distance. I felt so grateful that his grandfather trusted me and didn't think I was some crazy “dead pigeon ritual” lady! :)
This serendipitous moment with the little boy and the bird made me reflect that Zakiya, his grandfather, the pigeon, the robin and I all practised trust today - and chose love over fear.
Children have a natural compassion for all beings; an innate love and wisdom which, through interference and conditioning, we can lose as we grow older.
It filled my heart with love and joy to be reminded of how all beings are connected. We all feel fear and we all feel love. We all know what it’s like to feel afraid, to turn a blind eye or avoid something, and we all know what it’s like to feel safe, to want to stick around and lean into the more difficult things in life through love.
I may never see Zakiyha again, but he filled my heart with so much hope and joy. My heart was so warmed by this wise little soul’s care and compassion for the dying bird, his call to pray for it, and his desire to give it dignity in death.
I’m so grateful that I had the chance to forget about “adulting” (and my next zoom meeting) for a while.
I foraged for leaves, touched the earth, connected with a beautiful soul, slowed down, stopped, truly noticed, tuned in to the present, and chose curiosity and love over fear.
And most of all, I remembered just how precious each and every moment of life is.
May we take a leaf out of Zakiyha’s book this Earth Day;
Z is for zest for life
A is for adaptable to the world’s unique changes
K is for kindness to ourselves, others and the planet
I is for infinite possibilities, hope and trust
Y is for youthful curiosity, wisdom and play
H is for heartfulness-practise loving kindness to all beings
A is for appreciation and to count our blessings
And remember ...
Everyday life has gone out of the window for many of us - and a lack of routine can feel really unsettling. So here are three great ways to anchor yourself every week. Why not schedule them in your diary now?
Every Monday evening at 8.00pm - Self-Care & Wellbeing (Facebook Live) with our very own Vicky Johnson!
Every Friday morning at 8.00am - Join our friends the Kind Mind Academy for an hour of self-compassion by clicking this Zoom link.
Every Sunday evening at 7.00pm - Join our amazing friend Sarah Waite of SĒING Sound Meditations for a guided meditation and gratitude practise.
