Embracing Kindness: A Story of Ocho, the Bathroom Spider
In the corner of my bathroom, nestled comfortably on an orchid plant, lives a tiny creature named Ocho. He’s not the usual type of “pest” that many people would be quick to remove, but rather, he’s become a unique part of my daily routine. Ocho is a spider, and every day I make sure to leave a small, soaked Q-Tip for him to drink from, whether he’s lounging on the plant, hiding behind the toilet, or sitting on the vanity. Without fail, Ocho comes running over, ready to quench his thirst.
My initial response to encountering Ocho wasn’t fear, disgust, or even the desire to flush him away. In fact, I could easily overpower this little creature, but I choose to embrace him with kindness. Ocho deserves his place on this earth just as much as I do. While I go about my life, sometimes with an impact on the natural world that I can’t always control, Ocho’s presence contributes more to the natural order of life than I could ever do. Spiders, insects, and even rodents all play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.
It’s so easy to let fear dictate our actions when it comes to creatures that might seem unsettling to us. The common reaction might be to squash, trap, or remove these creatures from our lives, but I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on how they view them. Instead of using language that’s rooted in fear or disgust, we can opt for kindness. These animals, big or small, are not pests, and in reality, they’re not threatening either. They’re simply part of the world we all share.
In fact, many of these creatures are not just harmless, but incredibly beneficial to the environment. Spiders, for example, help control pest populations by hunting and eating insects. They contribute to a healthier ecosystem in ways we often overlook. So, when you encounter a spider, ant, or any insect, I encourage you to pause and consider how easy it is to let them be. If you can help them, do so. Whether it’s moving a spider to a more suitable space or simply avoiding harmful actions, these small acts of kindness make a difference.
The power of kindness extends far beyond human interactions. We can all make a positive impact by choosing empathy and understanding when it comes to the creatures that share our spaces. By fostering kindness toward these beings, we enrich our own lives and the world around us.
So next time you see a spider, an ant, or any other small creature, remember that they’re just as important as any of us. Let them be. They’re not pests; they’re simply doing their part in the grand cycle of life. Choosing kindness isn’t just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a way to honor the interconnectedness of all living things.