Why does a caged bird sing?

I came across this simple question and it grasped my curiosity. Why does a caged bird sing? My most immediate answer was that a bird is created to sing, but then I thought it could be logical to perhaps think that after a while a caged bird would not sing as it is trapped with no freedom to soar and explore? This assuming the caged bird has previously been free at some point. Well it does sing and I searched for an answer and found an interesting one in a beautiful poem written by American Author and Poet Maya Angelou which I will share with you below. Drawing parallels between situations of life that trap us to the caged bird, I ask you to empathize with a caged bird and determine to sing in that situation. Just as the bird's feet are tied and it cannot fly about, but opens its throat to sing, is it possible that when something in you seems dead, tied down, immobilized and unavailable for its intended purpose, you choose to see something else which is still available and free to use fully instead? Can you stand on the grave of dreams and still create a new dream to pursue? While you are trapped in that situation, albeit temporarily (unlike the bird which may be permanently caged), can you still sing of freedom like the bird, or do you feel like there is no song to sing? I hope you can find a song to sing in those times when you feel a "cage" all around you.

Image adapted from shankar s

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind

And floats downstream till the current ends

And dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage

Can seldom see through his bars of rage

His wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill

Of things unknown but longed for still

And his tune is heard on the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
And the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
His wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
Of things unknown but longed for still
And his tune is heard on the distant hill
For the caged bird sings of freedom

Poem adapted from Maya Angelou

Investing in future leaders

I am writing today inspired by the experiences of yesterday, the 19th of October 2013. I was one of the panel interviewers for Student Scholarships for top performing academic children coming from underprivileged backgrounds. I had not envisaged the level of responsibility this process would require. One after another these bright, bubbly, confident, top performing and focused 6th graders came in presenting their biggest achievements including trophies, medals, awards and certificates. I was pleasantly surprised, firstly by the level of commitment already reflected in these young kids through dedication to academic and sporting excellence and secondly by their confidence and consciousness to a measure of success. The sober part for me was the thought that my recommendations and ratings would determine the future of these little future leaders. I was in a process that would impact on a child's future and life in realising their full potential, a difficult reality to fathom. One wishes all the children would be accorded the scholarships as they deserve realising who they are meant to be, already being all top in their grades, however the reality of the economic concept of scarcity in today's world means not everyone is given the same opportunity nor exposed to what they can become that easily, especially in most areas of Africa due to lack of resources. Some of these children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and areas such as  Tembisa and Alexandra and evidently, the decision to be made will impact their lives as they will be placed in some of the best top private high schools in the country if successful. If they do well, they will further be enrolled into top Universities to further their studies. It was an intriguing day with inspiration coming from the dedication to success of these children in spite of their backgrounds. Some children had working parents while others had unemployed parents who depend on government support. While the parents were aware of the impact of the process to their children's future, I am not sure if the children themselves really knew how life changing these interviews could be. Of particular note was the innocence of the kids as they answered the questions that would determine their lives. An adult going into a job interview will go in there to impress and outwit the other candidates and get the job, some even at all costs which may not be all that noble. This was not the case for these little ones who came in to just say who they are and what they have achieved so far without any form of competitive posture nor slander. It was up to the interviewers to decipher potential against need and give them a rating that will enhance their chances of getting that scholarship and better their chances at life. It was a roller coaster of emotion, from finding the child in me so as to identify with the children at their level and make them comfortable enough to give the best of themselves, to remaining objective in spite of all the sad stories arising from a financial need perspective of the process. It is when you give of yourself within a community that you realise some form of greed and selfishness in your own life as you see how other people are surviving on way less than you may ever consider as a livelihood and yet they remain joyful and thankful, bound by love. I was inspired by the hunger for success already instilled in these kids, humbled by the support of the parents through challenging times and grateful for sponsors who find resources to advance and help these children to be developed into great future leaders.

Image adapted from fourthandfifteen

Can you do more?

It is interesting how when we live our lives genuinely doing what we want to do inspite of what we can gain from it, there is recognition and appreciation, be it direct or indirect. I recently had a friend call me and tell me how he appreciated my support and encouragement during a time he was job hunting. It took me by surprise as I tried to recall if I had done anything extraordinary and did not see such. The things I had done all seemed ordinary, normal and effortless as far as I could see. The call and visit I made while checking on a friend as well as seeking company and companionship myself, for him were a lifeline he needed to get through the day. I then realized how things that make a difference in the world and in people’s lives are not supernatural ‘take over the world’ feats but small little deeds which require no more effort than is usual in day to day living and letting go of pride at times just to make someone feel that their life is worth living, or that they are much better than they seem in their present moment and that their tomorrow is greater than their today, and this makes life so much more worth living. The BIG question which some ask themselves is, can I do more? The hidden truth, which everyone knows by the way, is that we can never do enough, for we can always DO MORE.

Image adapted from Raymond Bryson

It's a war out there

The Haka is a traditional war cry, dance or challenge of the Maori people of New Zealand. It is performed for various reasons, amusement, a hearty welcome of special guests, acknowledgement of great achievements or at funerals. It consists of shouting and chanting, vigorous body actions, strong facial expressions, stamping of feet and slapping of hands against the body. The New Zealand rugby team has successfully transformed this tradition more to intimidation of the enemy before every rugby match they play. The world has come to know the Haka in this manner as the fearless intimidation, show of force and challenging of rugby opponents. This seems to work for them as they dominate the rugby scene the world over. When they perform this war cry you can see the passion in their eyes and posture and hear the victory in their voices. They show no fear and no mercy at their opponents as they declare their prowess and strength as well as determination to overpower, dominate and win. Their latest Rugby Championship Match on the 5th of October 2013 was no exception as the All Blacks, as they are affectionately known played against the South African team the Springboks. They carried the passion from the Haka through their whole game and made sure they won the match. While the All Blacks won convincingly, the Springboks put up a spirited performance against the New Zealanders. As I followed the match, my thoughts shifted to how life issues sometimes intimidate and challenge us before we have even found ways to deal with them. They declare their might and strength on us before we can even work out how to tackle them, doing the Haka and looking strong and impossible to defeat before we have even started to look at ways to overcome them, and we sometimes give in and face defeat before we have tried to fight. How do you respond when the war of life visits you and does the Haka? When it shouts, shakes you up and slaps you while showing no mercy and stamping all over you? Do you cower, give in and lose all hope without a fight, or do you shout back with your own war cry of victory and success through a well thought out plan of getting out of that situation. Refusing to be intimidated and crowded out by situations that may not be all that powerful and over which you may even be stronger? Just a thought I wanted to leave to get you working on your Haka which you may after all need. A plan of action for the times when life comes hard on you and it seems there is no way out. When putting up a fight is the only way out. Have your own Haka ready always and have a great week ahead!!

Image adapted from NZ Defence Force