"Puffing up"

Need I say more? Probably not, but clearly, I want to. These little fellows who look so irritated as they fluff their feathers resonate with many of us.  I find myself chuckling at what seems to be an attempt by the ineffective to look fierce and intimidating.  The reality that this is likely an effort in grooming or keeping warm matters not.  The projection of human behaviors is too strong.  The attempt to look bigger, fiercer, more important than we are is a universal experience.  We have seen it in others; we have done it ourselves.  The effect is what we see here – humorous rather than effective.  Maybe we do it instinctively when we feel threatened.  Maybe, like the bird, we are trying to insulate ourselves from the chill of change or social rejection.  Or maybe we seek to boost confidence as we settle into our best appearance.  What I remind myself is that whatever I see in this puffed-up little bird, is myself in feathered form. My laughter is at myself, and I hope to cultivate that combination of healthy humility and self-acceptance that allows me to do so.

Peace be with you!

—Leigh