I had an incredible encounter with a hummingbird recently. I was sitting in my garden when he appeared to feast on the flowers we planted for him. I watched him buzz from flower to flower before landing on the vine over the garden wall. I watched as he just stood motionless for several minutes. It was incredible! I’d never seen a still hummingbird before, or since. There is so much magic to be found in nature and I love these kinds of encounters with birds and other wildlife.
Thank you, Louise. This is the first thing I've been able to share for a while so that means a lot. And yes, strange that it happened that particular day.
Yes, birdwatching is so healing! Thank you, Janelle. I am pretty new here too and chose to write about birds for my second post just a few weeks ago! Birds of a feather, as they say. 🥰
Absolutely! I loved your birding post, Kayla. I'm still very new to birding but noticing is doing so much more for me that I could have imagined. It was lovely to read about how that big blue bird forced you into noticing properly for the first time
Nature always find me when I’m feeling a little displaced. And I agree…it’s in those times I most need to look after myself that I find it hard to reach for the good stuff. I’m there at the moment 💛
Sounds like a tough time for you at the moment, Sarah. Wishing you gentleness and some healing moments in nature. I hope there are blue skies for you today like there are where I'm writing this from.
I just googled this bird and OH MY! What a stunner. I would love to see a painted bunting one day. I'm glad to hear that you have found your nature refuge
Thank you for sharing this Janelle. I too have felt very on and off mentally over the past few months. Knowing all too well that I have the skills of self-care and I do most of them daily, but still sometimes they don’t lift the fog.
But nature definitely helps. When I’m walking along the trails with my dog I feel calmer and the sound of the birds really soothes my soul.
I read something recently that by hearing bird song it signals to your brain that you are safe. Because when birds are silent it usually means they feel in danger.
And thank you for sharing too, Jenna. This sounds like a hard time for you. I see you. And it's hard when you don't know how long it might last for. I really relate to what you say about feeling that the strategies aren't 'working'. But you should feel proud of yourself for doing those things to take care of yourself even when it feels fruitless. I don't know about you but I can almost become a perfectionist at self-care. Trying to tick all the boxes of doing it 'right'. But yes, witnessing nature is one which helps me to transcend that, even just for little glimmers and moments. I like the fact that the things we witness are imperfect, impermanent, always moving and changing. And I don't feel like I have to 'be' anything or anyone in particular. I've heard this about birds too and I think it must be true.
Thank you Janelle for your kindness. Yes, it can feel like a battle when the things that used to work feel like they no longer do. I do think we have to keep going though no matter what. Unless we know deep down that a technique really doesn’t suit us anymore.
I agree, I love the imperfections of nature and that is it ever-changing.
Thanks for sharing this piece. Nature is so powerful and there’s much symbolism in that beautiful kingfisher I feel. Sending love and thoughts your way.
I had an incredible encounter with a hummingbird recently. I was sitting in my garden when he appeared to feast on the flowers we planted for him. I watched him buzz from flower to flower before landing on the vine over the garden wall. I watched as he just stood motionless for several minutes. It was incredible! I’d never seen a still hummingbird before, or since. There is so much magic to be found in nature and I love these kinds of encounters with birds and other wildlife.
What a wow moment. Complete awe I imagine. Thank you for sharing!
This is so beautiful. I'm so pleased you saw a kingfisher. It obviously came to you at just the right time
Thank you, Louise. This is the first thing I've been able to share for a while so that means a lot. And yes, strange that it happened that particular day.
Birdwatching is wonderful for improving well-being.
I'm glad you finally saw a kingfisher, such amazing birds.
Today I saw five Jays. Not quite a bogey bird for me, but I rarely see them and to see five all together was a really great moment
Yes, birdwatching is so healing! Thank you, Janelle. I am pretty new here too and chose to write about birds for my second post just a few weeks ago! Birds of a feather, as they say. 🥰
Absolutely! I loved your birding post, Kayla. I'm still very new to birding but noticing is doing so much more for me that I could have imagined. It was lovely to read about how that big blue bird forced you into noticing properly for the first time
Nature always find me when I’m feeling a little displaced. And I agree…it’s in those times I most need to look after myself that I find it hard to reach for the good stuff. I’m there at the moment 💛
Sounds like a tough time for you at the moment, Sarah. Wishing you gentleness and some healing moments in nature. I hope there are blue skies for you today like there are where I'm writing this from.
I'm pretty sure I saw a painted bunting for the first time. Beautiful bird! Nature is my refuge for well being. Thanks for your post!
I just googled this bird and OH MY! What a stunner. I would love to see a painted bunting one day. I'm glad to hear that you have found your nature refuge
Hey, Janelle! Yes, a stunner for sure. I've seen blue buntings here often, but never the painted bunting. Thanks for letting me share my excitement!
Janelle this is beautiful! Tomorrow I'm going to try your prescription for birds 💛 it really is all about slowing down and noticing life 💛
Ooh how did you get on, Ava May?
So well!! I loved just watching them fly, it really gives such a sense of peace 💛
Love to hear this. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing this Janelle. I too have felt very on and off mentally over the past few months. Knowing all too well that I have the skills of self-care and I do most of them daily, but still sometimes they don’t lift the fog.
But nature definitely helps. When I’m walking along the trails with my dog I feel calmer and the sound of the birds really soothes my soul.
I read something recently that by hearing bird song it signals to your brain that you are safe. Because when birds are silent it usually means they feel in danger.
And thank you for sharing too, Jenna. This sounds like a hard time for you. I see you. And it's hard when you don't know how long it might last for. I really relate to what you say about feeling that the strategies aren't 'working'. But you should feel proud of yourself for doing those things to take care of yourself even when it feels fruitless. I don't know about you but I can almost become a perfectionist at self-care. Trying to tick all the boxes of doing it 'right'. But yes, witnessing nature is one which helps me to transcend that, even just for little glimmers and moments. I like the fact that the things we witness are imperfect, impermanent, always moving and changing. And I don't feel like I have to 'be' anything or anyone in particular. I've heard this about birds too and I think it must be true.
Thank you Janelle for your kindness. Yes, it can feel like a battle when the things that used to work feel like they no longer do. I do think we have to keep going though no matter what. Unless we know deep down that a technique really doesn’t suit us anymore.
I agree, I love the imperfections of nature and that is it ever-changing.
Thanks for sharing this piece. Nature is so powerful and there’s much symbolism in that beautiful kingfisher I feel. Sending love and thoughts your way.
Thanks so much, Hannah. It feels like that to me. I still smile now when I think about the experience of witnessing the kingfisher
Wow that's quite something! I've only see jays twice and they were on their own.