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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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WATCHING SEA GULLS
Often, early in the morning, I become host to as many as a dozen sea gulls. For the most part they are good guests, which is not always the case with gulls. Instead of making their usual prolonged shrieking sounds, the birds are generally quiet. Sometimes I don't even realize they are visiting until I happen to look through the window. I return the favor by watching them in silence. In the gray light of daybreak, the gulls strut about my backyard in search of breakfast. They waddle about much like a child's wind-up toy. At first their movements seem random. They take five to ten steps, peck something to eat, and then head in a new direction. With no hands for digging, they must keep moving until they spot their prey out in the open; and, being big birds, they can easily be seen by their targets. From time to time a few of the birds will suddenly fly from one area of the yard to another, where they continue waddling and searching. Their paths never seem to overlap, and they don't appear to follow a single leader or scout. They just focus on the task at hand without competition or comment. Suddenly, with little flourish, the tribe departs. My untrained senses detect no signal, but they fly off together. Perhaps they are full or ready for another course. Maybe they have finished harvesting my yard and need a fresh crop of bugs and worms. A neighbor's cat may have come into the vicinity. For whatever reason, their departure is as inconspicuous as was their arrival. Reflecting on my observations, I realize these gulls have a pretty good pattern for emulation. Arrive quietly with your friends and coworkers. Focus on the job at hand. Stay out of the way of others. Don't complain or argue. Understand that there's enough for everyone. When you're finished, move on.
© 2005 David Bentley David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life, helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. You may contact him at 360.378.8436 by e-mail at david@coachbentley.com or visit his Web site: www.coachbentley.com |
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