Chapter 5: Nest

23℃

With the act of birth, an invisible cord of responsibility attaches the parent(s) to their offspring. When this cord is cut, chances of the infant’s survival are reduced. Certain actions such as locating food sources or defending oneself must be learned from an early age otherwise life becomes difficult.

I came across this word the other day and I couldn’t stop thinking about how heavily dependent, the children of the nest makers are.

Eyrie
(North American aerie)

Pronunciation /ˈɪəri//ˈʌɪri//ˈɛːri/

1. A large nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built high in a tree or on a cliff.

Parental responsibility is something children don’t acknowledge until we either become parents or empathise with those who do. No matter what I do, I am still my mother’s angel and my dad’s “grumurphy”(cute nickname). Everyone has flaws. Even the people who write the self-help books and the GP you’re currently seeing. Accepting the flaws in ourselves and others, is a step in the right direction. This is your familial nest.

Responsibility in friendships is one that changes with time. Me being a decent friend, I feel it is my responsibilty to make sure my friend makes it home ok. This doesn’t mean I physically walk them home, but you should make things easier or check up on them. There are moments where our sense of responsibility can be abused. So be vigiliant of people who sit at the sides waiting for you give. It’s a give and take, not take and take. Establishing the difference between acquaintances and friends, can help one to establish responsibilities. This nest can be split into two: inner and peripheral.

Human responsibilties are generally instinctual.

1) Seeing an old man struggling with heavy shopping bags.

My instinct would be to offer help. Would I? Probably not. Some people like doing things alone, or feel insulted from this. He’d rather bruise his apples than his ego.

2) Holding the door open for the person behind.You kind of just expect it, almost. If the person is too far then we’re just like, forget it.

This is our nest of different societies (different cultures/relgions and the expectations of individuals).

Our responsbility and place in the world comes from within. I really support recycling, and this is a method that shows one of my purposes in life is to make the world cleaner, because I respect where I live. When I see names etched onto various parts of a bus, I feel annoyed, angry and upset. Upset more because I can not understand the purpose. A family friend mentioned that on her trip to China electronic tablets were available to use, during a public transport journey. I do understand that this is not a country wide feature of public transport in China, however I feel like we couldn’t have this in England. It’s a matter of having respect for the things we have. This is why I feel travelling is important, to understand how other cultures work and understand their values. Not as an excuse to dress up like “one of them”. This is our planetal nest, Earth is our home and one must respect that.

If I could be a person who did things perfectly in the world, I would. Flaws aren’t things we choose. What I am trying to emphasise is, no matter how flawed a person is, do not let that discredit their good intentions/actions. Additionally, no matter how flawed you think you are, people appreciate certain qualities in you without you even knowing.

Something as small as saying “hello”, can have a really positive impact on a person. Our nests may be small or dark but, use your surroundings to create the ideal nest you want.

A little appreciation is in order. Appreciate them. Appreciate yourself.