THE OSTRICH EFFECT.

It was many years back when I was driving down a narrow alley and a car began honking from behind asking for a way. The alley was jam packed with hand carts and hawkers flanking on both the sides. I had no space to let the other car get ahead of me. The honking continued incessantly. As I reached the end of the alley, the car occupants rushed up to me in fury and told me to roll down my windows.They looked like political goons, They started abusing me in their choicest expletives regardless of my unintentional obstruction of their car.I started trembling from inside and immediately, without a word sped from the discomfort zone. Their point being proven, made their chests swell in pride. Swaggeringly, they sat in their car. My soul was exceedingly suffocated. I could have retaliated and matched their abuses word for word but I chose to exercise self control and kept quiet. Silence at times, gives you peace.

I avoid confrontations and baseless arguments. I withdraw into myself and totally become oblivious to the ongoing bitter conversation.I try to recollect my favorite song of the day and silently hum amidst the fracas, or I recollect the better times spent with that person and smile from within, Nobody knows this secret methodology of mine. The person who may end up with a hoarse voice after the senseless berating will never get any response from me.I have retreated in my shell. The harsh words begin bouncing off the shell. The vocal cords soon get tired and ease off, The displaced anger also soon calms off and sanity prevails. I, then come out of my shell and try to communicate with the person.

In my life, Unfortunately, I encounter unpleasant people and situations all the time.

The ostrich is a tall bird which can sense danger at great distances in view of its height and big eyes.It immediately curls up into a ball like structure and it looks like as if it has buried its head in the sand. The predator fails to notice it as it just looks like a small lumpy sand dune from a distance. It just walks on by.

I also bury my head like the ostrich to save me from such aggressive hostile people and unpleasant situations in life. I do not have the time, courage and willpower to bang my head on walls.

The winds of discomfort blow over and I feel free all over again.