The Woodpecker’s Attitude

Yes! I’m not kidding. A valuable life lesson imparted through an unexpected teacher - a Woodpecker. This lesson has become an integral part of my life. The revelation has proved incredibly practical and become a daily approach.

On a weekend getaway, nestled in the comfort of a tranquil resort. Was still asleep when I heard loud thuds on the door, which jolted me awake. As I lay in bed, squinting saw the sun illuminating the surroundings as I lay in slumber. A few minutes later, heard the same forceful and resonant taps again. Disoriented, considered the possibility of room service, though the early hour seemed odd for such an arrival. 

Allowing a few moments to pass, assumed perhaps they had confused rooms. But the rhythmic tapping persisted, punctuated by brief pauses. Intrigued and somewhat perplexed, arose from the bed. I drew the heavy curtains of the French window to peek at the early visitor.

To my surprise, there was no one at the door. Instead, my early visitor was a woodpecker, vigorously pecking at the windowpane. It was my first opportunity to observe a woodpecker up close, so settled closer to the glass to get a better view.

The woodpecker’s crimson plumage, tenacious talons, and strong, resolute beak were spectacular, a sight to behold. Gripping the metallic frame of the window, he was hammering his own reflection with his beak. This sight triggered a chain of thoughts. Was contemplating, perhaps he perceived his reflection as a rival or a potential threat, or is he chucking, thinking it was wood? Regardless of the motive, it was evident that the mirrored counterpart dissatisfied him. After several rounds of this peculiar interaction, he departed, only to return the following morning at the same early hour, once again to wake me up from a deep sleep. 

Vacations have a peculiar effect on me. Escaping from the routines of daily life, days like these, made me turn inward. Even though I intend to embark on adventurous journeys, grow quieter, introspective, contemplative, and immersed in self-examination. Which often births many revelations and insights. I fondly call this as my “Me-Me” time and cherish these moments of solitude.

During that day, engaged in introspection and contemplating various matters, pondering over some of my past actions and decisions, experienced a tinge of regret. Lost in thought, wandering across the room unintentionally stood in front of the mirror. Mindlessly muttered, “I don’t like what I see.” Unsure if I spoke aloud or if it was a mind voice. Yet, those words immediately evoked the memory of the woodpecker. 

The woodpecker exhibited dissatisfaction with his own reflection, unaware it was his own. But here I stood, staring at my reflection, knowing it was me, acknowledging my discontent and dissatisfaction stemming from certain aspects of my behavior.

Over time, recognized that I was repeatedly employing the phrase “I don’t like what I see” in diverse situations and circumstances. Each instance became an opportunity to channel the woodpecker’s persistence in confronting this discomforting reflection. 

This phenomenon revealed two key insights. Firstly, highlighting the dissatisfaction (admit I was displeased with a particular facet of myself, recognizing I don’t like that part of my behavior), and commit to rectifying it. Secondly, it highlighted the repetition of certain errors, prompting to avoid repeating those acts. 

This lesson remains relevant even today. I’m still a work in progress with this ingrained perspective, which I whimsically term “The Woodpecker’s Attitude.” 

The world around us, along with the universe itself, continuously imparts lessons. The catch is that we must remain receptive and open to observing and learning. 

Times I stumble, a gentle inner voice prompts me, “Embrace the touch of the woodpecker’s attitude.” 

After all, to be awakened by the call of a woodpecker is indeed a rare opportunity, you see.