[July 10] What day is it today? Natto Day! Even if there are likes and dislikes, that is what makes them 'themselves'

Good morning, this is Tori-jii.

Yesterday was 'Roller Coaster Day'.

While watching your pet bird's magnificent sharp turns and skillful landings on your shoulder,

'It would be nice if we could enjoy the ups and downs of life too,' I thought.

That is what I talked about.

Now, today, July 10th, is 'Natto Day'.

It is an anniversary born from the wordplay of '7 (na) - 10 (tou)'.

There are those who love natto,

and there are those who say,

'I'm not really a fan...' (I am one of them 💦).

Actually, birds also have quite clear likes and dislikes.

'But you ate it yesterday?'

Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) that they were eating with enthusiasm until yesterday.

'Here you go again!'

When I offer it...

They turn away.

'Huh?'

Next is a carrot.

They turn away.

Broccoli.

Hmph.

And finally, just the pellets,

crunch, crunch, crunch...

"What is that! (laughs)"

If you are a bird lover, you have experienced this at least once, haven't you?

Likes and dislikes are also part of their personality

We,

"want them to eat everything."

That is what we think.

Of course, for the sake of their health, it is important to get them used to various foods.

But,

Things they like.

Things they dislike.

Those who are cautious.

Those who are full of curiosity.

That, too, is their personality.

Even among humans,

there are those who like natto,

and those who dislike it.

It is only natural that we are different.

Looking at 'that individual'

For many years, I have interacted with many birds.

And I think to myself.

A bird is not

a 'parakeet'.

It is not

a 'parrot'.

It is not

a 'finch'.

It is not

Everyone is

a one-of-a-kind existence in the world.

A bird that eats a lot.

A bird that eats slowly.

A bird that is curious about everything.

A bird that carefully observes for days before trying something.

Every bird is fine just the way they are.

That is why we owners, too,

instead of asking 'Why won't you eat?',

should think...

'That's so like them.'

It would be wonderful if we could have the composure to think that.

A day like today

Today is Natto Day.

As I watched someone eating natto from afar,

'Birds have all sorts of personalities, too.'

I was thinking about things like that.

Their likes and dislikes,

the way they eat,

the way they play,

and the way they sleep.

It's interesting because everyone is different.

That's why living together is never boring, isn't it?

How is your beloved bird today?

Today, by all means,

try to find one thing your beloved bird 'likes'.

A favorite toy.

A favorite treat.

The place where they feel most at ease.

That 'like' is,

It is a treasure unique to that child.

And perhaps you are the only one,

living with them every day, who knows that treasure.

[To your beloved bird today]

What is the thing

"I love this!"

for your beloved bird?

Please make sure to set aside some time today to see that child's smile.

That smile will surely bring energy to you as well.

A word from Tori-ji

Likes and dislikes are not selfishness.

They are precious individual traits that only that child possesses.

~ (Tori-ji related) Seminar & Event Information ~

● July 12 (Sun): 208th Bird Lovers' School (Hybrid)
・For online, click here
・For in-person (Yokohama), click here　→ Only a few seats left!!

● July 26 (Sun) Tokyo: Tori-ji Terakoya (Fully booked)
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/260726torig/

● August 2 [Additional Lecture] Tokyo: Tori-ji Terakoya (Now accepting applications)
　(This is an additional lecture due to the July 26 session being fully booked. The content is the same.)
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/260802torig/

[NEW!!]
PANA x Tori-ji Collaboration Event
● Hiroshima (Fukuyama) October 10 (Only a few seats left)
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/261010torig/
● Aichi (Nagoya) October 11 (Waitlist only)
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/261011torig/
● Hokkaido (Sapporo) November 3 (Waitlist only)
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/261103torig/