Chapter 9. Reflection

The birds spent the next day with those of like feathers. The parrots commiserated about the negativity at the Council meeting. There was too much dwelling on the past rather than envisioning a hopeful future.

Clark and Crystal organized an owls-only meeting to review Xavier’s theories and discuss their efficacy. Had other owls observed the four styles as well? Was their experience consistent with his model? There was much analysis and debate.

Samuel and Sarah invited a few dove friends over for a light snack. The group voiced discomfort about the lack of harmony in the woods. They now feared that Xavier’s insights might have driven everyone further apart instead of bringing them closer together.

As Dorian surveyed Home from above, he flew with a renewed sense of purpose. He had to prevent another tree from falling.

While thinking about the previous day’s debate, he still felt that his efforts weren’t properly respected by the others. Yet, after crisscrossing above the land for a while, Dorian began to wonder if he was, in fact, judging others as Xavier had described. If so, then as the leader he could very well be a big part of the problem, and that would be unacceptable.

Dorian’s action-oriented style didn’t often lend itself to deep reflection. However, if he were truly part of the problem, then he needed to fix it immediately.

Then it hit him.

“What am I doing?” he said aloud. “We can solve this now.”

As the sun began to set, the eagle flew over the treetops where the parrots congregated. He circled twice to gather his thoughts.

All the parrots looked up. They were surprised to see the eagle so soon after the Council meeting blowup.

Dorian landed. He cleared his throat. And, then, he smiled. What followed was something extraordinary. The eagle approached a few parrots he didn’t know well and made awkward attempts at small talk. The parrots didn’t know what to make of it—Dorian had never done this before—but they welcomed him anyway. Then, after a few strange pleasantries, Dorian approached Indy and Ivy and cut to the chase: “We need to fix this situation between us so we can solve the real problem at hand.”

The parrots all nodded as Ivy responded, “We couldn’t agree more. We don’t like all the sniping. It’s getting us nowhere.”

Dorian paused for a moment. The eagle was about to eat a slice of humble pie, and he wasn’t sure if he could swallow it.

“I realized something earlier today. That little lizard may be right. I haven’t acknowledged how valuable parrot energy and optimism is to all of us. You obviously play an important role.”

For once, the parrots were speechless.

Dorian continued. “Remember when that freak windstorm hit a few years back?”

“Oh yeah. That was freaky,” said Indy. “It came out of nowhere!”

“Yes, it did,” said Dorian. “That swirling funnel ripped through the forest so fast that we barely had time to react. It was you—all the parrots—that were creative and immediately found a solution. Your idea to fly high above the clouds kept us safe until the storm passed. You guys are real innovative thinkers.”

The parrots proudly puffed up their chests as they relived the episode. They had, after all, risen to the occasion on that one.

“So,” concluded Dorian, “I haven’t tapped into your talent for fresh ideas. Instead, I’ve been expecting you to act more like me...and that’s crazy. In fact, if everyone were like me, then we’d really have a problem.”

With that admission, they all laughed.

Then Ivy volunteered, “I’ve been thinking about what Xavier said, too—about expectations. I guess I expect others to react to situations like I would.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Dorian acknowledged. “I get frustrated when others can’t do what I can do.”

“Yeah,” said Indy. We often don’t understand why other birds don’t enjoy the same things we do.”

“And, when they don’t meet our expectations, we judge them for it,” said Ivy.

Dorian thought that there really was more to these parrots than meets the eye.

Then he added, “So, it was unrealistic to expect you to respond to things as I would, and vice versa. Truth be told, facing challenges and solving problems energizes me.”

“That’s because you’re good at it, Dorian,” affirmed Ivy.

The eagle grinned. “I guess we all need to get smarter about what each of us brings to the forest. Then we’ll be able to solve this crisis. Any crisis.”

At that moment, the sun disappeared beneath the horizon, and the parrots announced in unison, “Happy Hour!”

“Seems like it’s always ‘Happy Hour’ for you guys,” joked Dorian.

“I think it’s time,” said Ivy, playfully nudging the eagle. “You’re coming with us.”

Dorian chuckled, suddenly feeling game. “Sure, why not? So what happens during Happy Hour?”

“Oh, you’ll find out,” smirked Indy.