Welcome back.......
I understand that some of you may feel weary of reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull Story repeatedly, However, I believe its TIMELESS WISDOM deserves revisiting, so lets delve into it once more from a very DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
There was a seagull by name Jonathan who unlike the rest of the flock was not interested in the day-to-day squabbles over food and sex, instead he spent his time experimenting with FLIGHT.
The higher he flies, the rest of the flock disapprove his behavior. According to the rest of the flock – one should be content with food and sex.
The higher he flies, the rest of the flock disapprove his behavior. According to the rest of the flock – one should be content with food and sex.
In 2016, I had a persistent encounter with a seagull from Atlanta who SHAMELESSLY pilfered my food. Fed up, I decided to address the matter formally and reported it to HR department, led by a lady from Mumbai settled in Bangalore.
During our 3 hour long conversation I told her - When you go to the seaside you see gulls always squabbling over a single French fry or a bread crust, JUST THINK, 'How they squabble over nothing!'
Have you seen people fighting like the gulls in Jonathan's flock : If they only got out of their narrow mindsets they would realize what riches awaited them.
We fight every day ; How should i address this ongoing conflict ?
The HR advised me - "Sree, its essential to extend LOVE even when you feel WRONGED. Reach out to her apologize for the conflict and reconnect with COMPASSION".
I respectfully countered, expressing concern that such actions might inadvertently condone UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR within the system. In response, she recommended a LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AT LANDMARK TRAINING INSTITUTE, an organization she was affiliated with.
The program was set to commence the same week as our discussion, and HR promptly provided a registration link. I was hesitant to register due to program's cost of 20,000 rupees for a 2 day Duration. After 48 hours, HR reached out, offering to cover the expenses herself on my behalf, a gesture i politely declined, opting to make the payment myself.
She told me not to apply for a 2 day leave and any office Inquiries can be directed to her.
On the day of the program she took me in her car and dropped me at the Venue where Landmark Training Institute was conducting the Leadership Program.
And the Program begins !
The Coach is in the middle !
During the session, I seized the opportunity to share my Jonathan Livingston Sea Gull Story on stage in front of a crowd of 2000 people. I took the courageous step and told my story to 2000 people :
"When you go to the seaside you see gulls always squabbling over a single French fry or a bread crust, JUST THINK, 'How they squabble over nothing!'
Have you seen people fighting like the gulls in Jonathan's flock : If they only got out of their narrow mindsets they would realize what riches awaited them.
This lady from Atlanta much older than me has been stealing my FOOD !
We fight every day ; How should i address this ongoing conflict ?
CAN YOU HELP ?"
And upon doing so, received feedback from the Coach emphasizing the IMPORTANCE OF EXTENDING LOVE even to those who may have WRONGED US.
After the session i came back home and i confided with my Mom, expressing my disappointment at what felt like a waste of 20,000 Rupees.
In 2018 March ; My role was officially stolen by the lady seagull; Iam single not married ; and she was a mother of 3 childrens.
More Needs = More Robbery ! Lol.....Hahahaha....
Not all High Performing Successful people have INSPIRATIONAL stories to tell !
In 2021 - My Perspective changes when someone who i FALSELY ACCUSED showed compassion towards me. I was surprised about the LEVEL OF COMPASSION that person (Story Teller) had for me in the face of FALSE ACCUSATIONS !
I came to realize the wisdom in the guidance provided by both my HR Leader and the Coach from the Landmark Training Institute thats its essential to harbor LOVE AND COMPASSION even towards those who may have caused us HARM.
This EVENT led me to experience TAT-TVAM-ASI and I reconnected with my FATHER !
My paternal grand mother passed away during my father's birth leading to my paternal grand father remarrying. When my father was 10 years old, my grand father who was a lawyer passes away. My father's step mother abandoned my father at his grand mother's place, transferring all his property in her name. My father not only lost his family legacy but also the legal rights to the property he rightfully owned. Upon reaching the age of 18 many of my relatives advised my father to pursue legal action against my step-grand mother to secure his property rights ; However my father chose NOT TO engage in a legal dispute with his mother and willingly relinquished his legal entitlements.
LOVE IS DIVINE !
Despite my father being an epitome of compassion, his physical absence may have inadvertently contributed to my sense of unkindness towards materialistic people ; however the presence of story teller brought grace into my behaviour fostering forgiveness for those fighting for food and have wronged me.
My Father = Compassion = Story Teller !
When I see this song i remember my Father !
While you EXTEND LOVE to people who have WRONGED you ; Practice SELF-COMPASSION for SELF-CARE and SELF-RESPECT.
Set your Boundaries :
Boundaries : If someone throws a FIT because you set BOUNDARIES, It's just more evidence the boundary is needed.
Wear a Fabulous Smile and a Great Jewellery and know that YOU ARE WORTH IT !
No Boundaries for SELF (Story Teller) ; Jewellery always FIT.
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