Taking Up Space

39 Replies

I was fascinated recently watching a bug outside my window. It was furiously insistent on doing . . . something. I don’t know what kind of bug it was, it had wings and was far enough away that I couldn’t make out any details. Think of a really big ant with wings. And then it dawned on me that this tiny insignificant insect was part of the whole picture. It wasn’t insignificant, it had a role to play. As do I. As do you.

Since the beginning of sentient thought we have questioned our existence. Life is the ability to reproduce, to grow.  Existence is a fact or state of living. But of course, it is so much more than that. In its simplest form to live one must only breathe.  To have a life, that’s a tad more complicated. Plants and animals in all forms reproduce but humans have the capacity to enhance that life. Reproducing is biological, the ability to love is chemical, what to do with those two can be magical.

We all take up space on this tiny blue ball floating in a vacuum.  What we do with that space is what defines us. We are alive but living is what we do with that life. Some people have made incredible contributions to the whole while others have been quietly in the background. And still others believe they have made no contribution at all and yet I disagree. That small insignificant bug is part of a chain.  A chain that binds us all together. That insect is as important in the long term as am I. But I’m sure for very different reasons. I like to think that my efforts are significant but perhaps only to me and to those around me.

I remember a news story many, many years ago about a town in, I think, Australia where a neighbourhood was overrun by very loud birds. People were irritated at being woken up too early by these annoying creatures. So, they set about to relocate or eradicate them. They did. And shortly thereafter there was an incredible influx of poisonous snakes. What they didn’t take into consideration was the fact that these annoying birds’ favourite snack was said poisonous snake.

It is the domino effect all over again. I’m not the one that has to make the miraculous discovery but if my words inspire someone who then inspires someone who then inspires someone . . . you get my drift. My comment, my smile at stranger might be one of the pieces of the chain. No person, no insect no comment is insignificant. We all take up the right amount of space at the right time.

39 thoughts on “Taking Up Space”

  5. Mark Lanesbury

    Very wise words dear lady, we do indeed have great power within us. Even to those so called ‘small’ bits that we do. I’ve seen a glance wither a soul, a very courageous speech begin a worldwide movement. And even very many afraid hearts take a step, but one that will change them forever and in doing so touch something so profound to set them to tears…big, beautiful, happy tears.
    A beautiful heartfelt memoir to share my friend, thank you. May we all indeed find it within us ❤️🙏🏽
    And no, I’m not the aussie that did the birds in. I even take bugs back outside to begin another pathway 🤣❤️🙏🏽

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Murphy’s Law

      Mark, your last sentence sums up what a kind-hearted man you are! You would have found a way to quiet the birds down…probably with chocolate!
      Ginger

      Liked by 2 people

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      3. Mark Lanesbury

        Ok, maybe not chocolate. But…I do have cat food for the magpies (natural, no preservatives). And only then to get close because the baby magpie had a nylon string caught around its leg blocking the blood supply off, it was limping everywhere the poor thing 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Murphy’s Law

    Well said, dear friend, well said. Every one of us, human and animal alike, contribute in some way to the greater good of all of us.

    A smile, a kind word, a small thoughtful gesture, can make a huge difference in the big picture. In line with pensitivity101, we must never neglect to give back to Nature what it so generously gives us.
    Ginger

    Liked by 2 people

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  10. Dan Antion

    Interesting thoughts, Pam. During this heat wave, we’ve been noticing insects, birds and other critters trying to cope. We’ve been making sure they have water, but it’s interesting to think about the way that helps. What’s more important, making sure a few birds have water or the “important” human things I do?

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Mark Lanesbury

      Important by its intent, it builds something in us and them I think. The giver and the receiver…but always by the intent within it. As in, I could intend to be nasty in giving something, but the receiver could take it with great happiness. Its intent by each will add to or diminish that event. The birds would be so glad of the lovely human helping them with water so become closer because of the trust in that intent. The fact that you put the water out there has good intent or it wouldn’t be done. I hope you don’t mind Dan, you got me, I had to think on that one a bit 🤣

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  14. rangewriter

    I love this post, Pam. Sometimes it’s very hard to remember that every being has purpose. Especially when it comes to ticks and Trumps. But I’m sure ticks also serve some purpose for which I’m unaware. And the T, well, his purpose is perhaps to teach us by example what not to be.

    I know that you are here for a purpose. Your daily efforts, your spirit, your moments of exquisite wisdom and the eloquence with which you share them are inspiration to anyone who comes within your circle of influence. And that circle spirals outward like a the ripples created by a stone thrown into a pond.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. quiall Post author

      You humble me with your words dear friend. Thank you. I agree, even the things that are most egregious serve a purpose even if it’s just a cautionary tale. I love being a ripple, I am in good company.

      Liked by 1 person

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