Helium balloons - anticipating consequences, choosing how to judge


Frequently I see sights like this one, from last week, when I am hiking in the mountains - a deflated helium balloon, stuck in the branches of a tree or among the rocks of a hillside. At first I was always annoyed and resentful as I went off-trail to retrieve the balloon - "how thoughtless of the people down in the valley who just release balloons into the sky. Don't they realize the balloon has to come down somewhere, and it effectively becomes litter for someone else to clean up? And that 'someone else' is usually a hiker who is out seeking escape, trying to get in touch with nature away from the signs of civilization?" Not only that, but many animals die from ingesting balloons.
My feelings softened a little (only a little) over time. When I see my grandchildren's delight with "floaty balloons" and how easy it is for their tiny fists to lose hold of the string, I recognize that many "escapes" are accidental; and so seeing the balloon is an indication of a child who was beaming with joy, but then turned to sadness to see their "toy" float away. That's especially true for balloons like this one, with a happy Mickey Mouse motif.
I also have seen occasions when there is a "balloon release" involving dozens or scores of balloons, to commemorate a departed loved one, to celebrate an achievement, or to raise awareness of an issue or a campaign. While these events can be very meaningful to those participating, they don't often think about the other end of the balloon's journey. They don't actually float up to heaven! But again, when I find a balloon distracting my nature experience, I try to think kind thoughts about the person who released it, perhaps mourning a loss in their life.
Something happens inside of us as we make assumptions. We can almost always choose to interpret things we observe in a kind way or an unkind way. When we assume a motivation of malice or cruelty, it only drags down our own spirits. When we try to explain things in a forgiving or understanding way, we elevate our own thoughts and emotions.
I #GiveThanks for the opportunity to exercise my agency in positive, uplifting ways. It's a wonderful skill to develop in life!

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