Monkey Research and Evil Cats..so much KINDNESS!

I read a statistic the other day that said there are over 100,000 primates used in research in the U.S. every year. As many of us know, the conditions for primates is often less than ideal in these types of research facilities as these primates are often malnourished or subjected to conditions of maternal deprivation or worse like invasive neurological tests! Well, OK not much is worse than being without one's mom, but you know what I mean! 

I think that knowing these facts makes my most recent account of kindness even more remarkable because I met a monkey who has been involved in psychological research for years and taught me the most remarkable lesson on compassion. 

This particular monkey has endured many years of involvement in a rigorous academic research environment. However, unlike the stories we read in the news and the general understanding that monkeys who endure such difficult conditions must be angry or unstable in some way, this monkey was just the opposite. I have known this monkey, who I will call R.M. for a short time and she is remarkable; always so kind and thoughtful. The other day however was when I really developed an understanding of not only her kindness but also how much she retained from her time in psychological labs. On this particular day, I was troubled by evil cats rubbing there fuzzy bodies against my window and trying to gain access to my soul. This intrusion of cats led me to really freak out. However, at the height of my panic R.M. intervened in only the way that those of the animal kingdom can. She caused the cats to retreat from the window to my soul and reassured me that we all have fears that may seem illogical to others. She reiterated that I should not be embarrassed of my dramatic reaction. She told me a story about one time in her lab when she was really scared by an invasive procedure which seemed silly to her more seasoned primate counterparts. She went on to tell me about her research involvement not only on compassion to others, but on self-compassion. Self-compassion what a concept! In that moment I learned that I must not be to critical of myself and my responses to stimuli which much like my primate friend R.M. have been shaped by past negative experiences. Change what you can, accept what you cannot and learn to like yourself anyways!

the kindness of the rabbit

I think it's common to associate rabbits with luck. Often it is the rabbit's foot which is seen as a source of good luck; so I am not sure what I did to be rewarded with the good fortune to have met a most lovely and kind rabbit. I met this rabbit about a year and a half ago and in a number of ways I have been lucky to have her play a part in making my life beter. Not only are rabbits associated with luck, but according to Chinese astrology the rabbit represents hope; I think that hope is the greatest gift that this particular rabbit has given me. When I meet with this rabbit, in the beautiful fields of this town, I often experience a renewed sense of hope in terms of appreciating what I am capable of and the promise my life can hold. Although I have had the good fortune of having a number of suppotive animals in my life, I think that what this rabbit has provided me with is, not only, a more explicit declaration of hope, which is exciting, but this rabbit also helps to educate and empower me so that I can carry this hope and build upon it for myself. Sustaining and building on this hope may be, at times, difficult without my rabbit, but thankfully I feel that this rabbit has helped me develop tools to be able to maintain hope and continue in building on this postive vision for my life. When I was young, I loved Bugs Bunny, but I have to say that I feel especially fortunate to have this rabbit as part of my life.

The Kindness of the Easter Bunny

It's that time of year again...yes, Easter! Aside from being the most religious of weekends on the Christian calender, Easter is also a time to enjoy some candy and this is exactly what I have been doing. The reason that I was able to fully enjoy these Easter treats is because I received a visit from the Easter Bunny, herself. Not only did she arrive early this year, but given my age and the state of my dental health, the whole experience was a real event. The bunny herself, appeared gracious and benevolent, leaving behind an Easter greeting card written in a foreign romance language. The bunny also gave reminders to balance enjoyment of her sweet goods with regular brushing and flossing and I appreciated her attention to typical requirements of daily living.
As I enjoy candy over this Easter seaason, I will recall the kindest of visits from my local Easter bunny.

The Kindess of the Biblical Songbird

The other day I received a gift from a songbird! This gift was a total suprise, but was just what I needed at the time and I am not sure how the songbird could have been aware of this if not for some type of devine intervention. Interestingly, this may have been the case, as the songbird brought me the gift of God's Word. This does not come as a complete shock, as in terms of biblical signifigance the songbirds are regarded as both reflecting and brining the truth of God to individuals. Indeed the songbird's peaceful songs are seen as reflecting social connections and conversations of love and truth. Generally, the songbird is not interested in sustained thoughtful contemplation that leads to the recognition of some truth, in an abstract manner, but instead is interested in real and obvious truth of God's love. Although I did engage in some reflection regarding meaning and truth after receiving this gift, it was clear through receipt of this gift that I am loved here on earth. Also, this gift from my songbird definitely illustrated the potential of God's love for me, if in fact I beleive in the power and plan that exists according to the kingdom of God.
As we approach springtime, I will continue to be mindful of the beauty and power of the messages of the songbirds. As well, I will remain thankful for the gift of this specific songbird.

The Kindness of Dolphins

Both the Common and Bottlenose dolphins are said to be very social animals. They are unlike colonies of ants who live in some amount of discord, in that dolphins help each other during times of hardship. I am fortunate to travel with a school of very compassionate and kind dolphins. Although we all work together to promote the wellbeing of dolphins who come to us in a less then optimal state of health, it is also evident that the dolphins I work with care about my wellbeing and are there to support me. Their kind ways were reiterated recently as I have been away due to illness and upon my return, I was greeted by many kind words and also a card expressing interest in my "speedy recovery". Like all "schools" of dolphins ours changes from time to time based on need of individual dolphins and seasonal shifts for example. I, myself, will be leaving this particular school once the summer season is upon us. However, I will always remember their kindness toward me both on a day-to-day basis as well as during relatively exceptional circumstances such as my recent illness.

The Kindness of Goats

Goats like pumpkin. Well I've heard it said that goats will eat anything, but perhaps they are particularly fond of pumpkin. If this were true then my brother would be no exception. My brother, Chad, is especially fond of a pumpkin cake that our cousin Anne makes. She was kind enough to make it one time when we were all getting together for dinner and Chad has reminded her of the deliciousness ever since. Today I was speaking to our cousin and she mentioned that I should let her know if my mom and I were sticking to the plan of going to visit my brother this coming weekend. If so, she wanted us to let her know so she could bake pumpkin cake and send it with us for Chad. I thought that this was a very kind idea on her part. Well, our cousin then spoke to my mom and the plan evolved. Our cousin may now be making the trip with us, in order to deliver her cake in person. I think that this would be very interesting and kind. I'm sure that my brother would be shocked to see her. So, from the kind words that my brother shared with our cousin Anne about her yummy cake, evolved this kindness that may see Anne coming with us! I am part of a kind and thoughtful family..how great!

the kindness of horses in Tim Hortons

Horses handle straw. They love it! Interestingly, yesterday I came across a unique type of horse. I think he was unique because he was into handling straws; the drinking variety, not straw, as would be more traditional. I came across this horse in Tim Hortons. I had just ordered a drink, and with my hands full was proceeding to a table. However, I had forgotten to grab a drinking straw. This horse kindly stepped out of line, where he was, and handed me two straws. This was a very kind gesture as it saved me from leaving my drink and walking all the way back to the front of the store to grab a straw. The actions of this horse were greatly appreciated. I think Tim Hortons should think about employing horses for this express purpose.