Update: Explanation on Metaphor, tiny bird's heart.

PLEASE EXAMINE THE PHOTO BEFORE YOU READ

The following is a profound read I wrote in 2015. Who I was and still today, I am capable of love even after such horrific abuse placed on my life. I am still vulnerable but now very cautious of those with not the best intentions.

I think if you read the piece I wrote, it will make you think about yourself, or even maybe change your life. Written by Barbara Niedzalkowski - 2015. Original  Metaphor, tiny bird's heart.

Metaphor, tiny bird's heart. I read on a blog recently, “knowledge is power.” Now using this knowledge in a constructive and not hurtful/harmful way would be the way to go. Using knowledge because you might be on a power trip or you are thinking that you have an advantage over someone or some situation would not necessarily be the way to go. This is where vulnerabilities come in, for you or the other person or whatever that may be in the knowledge that you are giving up/or not giving up. Being vulnerable, here is my Metaphor on this tiny bird, this bird is very vulnerable.

See this tiny bird? It has a heart; his/hers tiny heart is beating. Would you harm, throw stones at it, smash it? What is the difference between a human heart and a tiny bird's heart? Are they not both living and created for love? Not harm.
All living things need love. When looking at the above photo, did you see a tiny bird in a spoon? Or did you see a large spoon with a tiny bird? Or did you see the same size spoon as the bird? We are all different and yes, knowledge is power! It’s in the way you look, perceive things, people, living things. I would hope that when we are faced on a daily basis in today’s world that we can remember this tiny bird's heart; it has a heart beat just like you, and we all can be vulnerable.
My Metaphor is not about race, but knowledge is power, and that can make or break any human. - Barbara Niedzalkowski 2015
Explanation:

The metaphor "tiny bird's heart" uses the image of a delicate bird sitting in a large silverware spoon to convey profound ideas about vulnerability, empathy, and the responsible use of knowledge. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and implications:Meaning of the Metaphor

1. The Tiny Bird and Its Heart:
   • The tiny bird represents fragility and vulnerability, emphasizing its small size and delicate nature. Its beating heart symbolizes life, love, and the shared essence of all living beings, regardless of size or form.
   • The metaphor suggests that even the smallest creatures have intrinsic value and deserve care, drawing a parallel to human vulnerability. Just as you wouldn’t harm a defenseless bird, you shouldn’t harm another person, as both share the same fundamental need for love and respect.
2. The Large Silverware Spoon:
   • The spoon, much larger than the bird, could symbolize the overwhelming scale of the world, society, or power dynamics. It highlights how small and vulnerable individuals (or creatures) can feel in the face of larger forces, such as knowledge, authority, or societal pressures.
   • The contrast between the bird and the spoon also prompts reflection on perspective: Do you focus on the bird’s fragility or the spoon’s size? This question encourages mindfulness about how we perceive others and their vulnerabilities.
3. Knowledge as Power:
   • The phrase “knowledge is power” is central to the metaphor. The blog post warns against using knowledge to dominate or harm others, as this can exploit vulnerabilities—either your own or someone else’s.
   • Instead, knowledge should be used constructively, with empathy and respect, to uplift rather than oppress. The tiny bird’s heart serves as a reminder to approach others with compassion, recognizing their inherent worth and shared humanity.
4. Vulnerability and Empathy:
   • The metaphor underscores that all living beings, from the tiniest bird to a human, are vulnerable and capable of being hurt. Acknowledging this shared vulnerability fosters empathy and discourages harmful actions.
   • By comparing the bird’s heart to a human heart, the author emphasizes universal connections—both are “created for love,” not harm. This calls for kindness and mindfulness in our interactions.
5. Perspective and Perception:
   • The question about whether you see the bird, the spoon, or both equally highlights the role of perspective in shaping how we treat others. It encourages self-awareness in how we perceive power, vulnerability, and our responsibilities toward others.
   • The metaphor isn’t about race or specific social categories but about the universal human condition and the ethical use of knowledge in all contexts.

Broader Implications

• Ethical Use of Knowledge: The metaphor advocates for using knowledge responsibly, avoiding the temptation to wield it as a tool for dominance or harm. Instead, it should be a force for good, fostering understanding and connection.
• Universal Compassion: By equating the bird’s heart with a human’s, the metaphor transcends differences, urging readers to see the shared need for love and protection in all living things.
• Mindful Perspective: The imagery challenges readers to reflect on their biases and assumptions, encouraging a compassionate worldview that prioritizes empathy over power.

Connection to the Blog’s MessageThe blog post uses the tiny bird’s heart as a powerful symbol to remind readers to approach life with humility and care. In a world where knowledge can be used to manipulate or harm, the metaphor calls for using it to nurture and protect, just as one would instinctively protect a fragile bird. It’s a plea for empathy, reminding us that vulnerability is universal and that our actions should reflect this understanding.