What I have Learned from Watching the Birds
Sometimes when I become unsure of life, I take a moment to look at the birds.
At their wonderful sense of ease and assurance. Their unmistakeable confidence. The unruffled presence. There is a delicious relish for living, so impressively etched in a bird’s every movement, every twitter, every skittish dance.
I notice how ever so lightly they tread on this earth. Crumbs and abundance are received with equal grace. There are always songs to sing each day. And storms will pass away. Just hunker down for a bit in the meantime.
So steadfastly they collect a twig, a blade of grass – bit by careful bit to build a home. So wedded are they to the kindness of life. To the open skies, the rushing winds, the gentle rains. Unperturbed by the elements. Just a gentle acquiescence.
I do not know of anyone who can look at birds and not smile. Or become just a little mellow. Or feel a burden lifted from one’s heart. I can’t imagine a world without birds. Because from these little ones I have learnt a mighty lesson.
Each time I become unsure of life, I take a moment to look at the birds. And I receive a message of resounding clarity. Of faithfulness. Of abundance. Of generosity. Of protection. The unshakeable assurance that all is well.
These birds, I think that’s what they live to show us each day. We are not forgotten. Never too insignificant. So very well taken care of. Live trusting in the goodness of Life.
And from a distant memory, I hear the strains of this old gospel faintly echoing from my childhood. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me.
“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” ~ Matthew 6:26
*These photographs are of the Blue Tit, a popular European garden bird. This small non-migratory bird is found throughout Europe, the Middle-East and parts of North Africa.
What a lovely bird, Sharon; you’ve captured both its beauty and ability to live in the moment, self-contained and joyful. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts today; I needed a good shot of of hope and affirmation and sped to your column, trusting it would provide. Fed by your characteristic gentleness and depth, I’ll return to my day uplifted and peaceful: thank you, again.
My dear Kitty,
The thought of you speeding to this column filled me with a wonderful happiness. You are so good to me. Since pushing the publish button, I have been tweaking this post (as it’s a habit of which I can’t yet determine if it is good or bad) and thought you might want to read some additions which the feathered ones must surely take all the credit for. I believe this is the post that will grow as time passes simply because the learning never ends – and the birds such incredibly great teachers, as I am sure you will attest to.
Thinking of you with much affection, Sharon
What wonderful thoughts. We’re surrounded by a veritable abundance of birds where we live, and with the breaking of spring, they are increasing in their presence daily. We have a wonderful view on their world from our living room window, and as you say, they truly are an inspiration. Thanks for the wonderful wake-up message this morning.
Dear Barney,
The description of the wonderful view you have from your living room window is a delightful thought indeed! I can imagine the joyful noise and vibrant life they add to your world. Thank you for sharing this with me and I wish you beautiful, happy days filled with songs and colour and bright little faces at your window! So good that you wrote. Sharon
Beautiful post. I love everything about birds – how they look, how they behave, what they have to teach us, their symbolism. My life is richer now that I spend so much time feeding and watching them, admiring their gentle grace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for this comment which captured to perfection this beautiful symbiosis between man and the birds. How rich indeed our lives because of these winged ones. So very good to hear from you! Happy days and my warmest thoughts to you. Sharon
So very beautiful and encouraging Sharon! Our “teachers” of different colors and shapes are close by, we just have to watch, reflect and learn. Thank you!
Indeed Tiny. That is so true. I am learning there are no shortages of teachers. No end to learning. No one too small or insignificant to leave a mark. You bring that beautifully through your posts always. Sharon
It`s a beautiful and inspiring post Sharon. Quite true and lovely photos. Birds and other animals are such great teachers for us, they haven`t been brainwashed like humanity and are still in touch with the source.
My religious grandma used to repeat that particular Bible quote over and over again… 🙂
Dear Aditix,
I am glad to know I reminded you of your grandma with this Bible verse 😀 I think she had a point there. The whole of nature is our great teacher and a reflection of ourselves. You are absolutely right – the birds and other creatures are true to their nature and are completely at ease with who they are – while we have yet to attain the fullness of ours as a human being. Food for thought indeed. Have a wonderful day and to all the lessons we may learn just right outside our windows. Hugs, Sharon
This is so lovely, Sharon. What gorgeous photos! If you are interested, I wrote about our need to look up a long time ago here http://mysending.wordpress.com/2009/06/17/remember-to-look-up/.
Dear Anne,
I’ve just come back from reading the post you wrote. It is an absolute gem and I am so glad you decided to share it with me here! Indeed, what a world of difference, a different perspective makes. Where we set our gaze on determines our course of action. My husband is an avid bird-watcher. Our home is filled with books on Ornithology. This is the perfect season to head out to the bird towers and watch the migratory birds return. I am looking forward to that very much. So good to see you here. Much love, Sharon
What a pretty little bird Sharon–is it there in Finland? You know I love my back yard birds…happy Friday. Did you see my post from yesterday? Diane
Oh Diane! I just saw your post and it was precious! You are doing an amazing job with the bluebirds. Yes, this little bird here is the European Blue Tit, a popular garden bird in our area. They are a joy to watch. You keep up the excellent work at Swallotail Cottage my dear! Sharon
Such beautiful shots, Sharon. I so love birds! They speak to me of freedom and lightness and joy. And an innate intelligence that reflects that of our amazing Universe (one song). Thank you for this lovely reminder.
Cathy
Your words reveal how much time you have spent watching the beautiful birds Cathy. I love your observation about their innate intelligence which indeed throbs together with the flow of life. Thank you for your visit. It’s always wonderful to have you here. Hugs, Sharon
Beautiful thoughts eloquently expressed, Sharon. That first photo is incredible!
Hello Naomi!
So good to have you here! I’m happy you like the photo! (compliments of ten frozen fingers and 100 shots later) I think bird photography is a whole new ball game since sit and stay don’t seem to be part of their routine! 😀 Sharon
These are such beautiful thoughts Sharon. I often look at birds and admire their freedom and ability survive in harsh weather and circumstances. Great photos to go with your beautiful thoughts!
Dear Janaline,
That too has been my observation. How small they are. How mighty the elements. And yet, how mighty the will to live and to survive and thrive. Yes, my admiration grows each season. Thank you for your wonderful feedback. Have a super day. Sharon
Sharon, this reads like poetry. So beautiful. I am sitting in a busy airport with my flight delayed for two hours so your post is calming and inspiring..thank you. 🙂
Dear Violet,
I trust the flight went well and you have since left the airport far behind and at home pottering about happily. It warmed my heart tremendously to know that this kept you company for a little bit. These little birds, they teach me there’s no waiting, no rushing the seasons, just a flow into every moment unfurling – each as unique as they come. How the birds have perfected this synchronicity with life. I can only hope to learn it better each moment. So, so good to hear from you! Sharon
Sharon, Thank you for this beautiful, perfect post. The stillness of your voice, your delicate narrative, your poetic lilt, your exquisite photographs, brought me such a blessed sense of peace. It was a true gift as I am so missing the desert, my love, my solace. Many blessings to you, your husband and your son. Love, Vivian
My dear Vivian,
I hope this finds you well. I have missed your posts and have often dropped by just to see if you have written. Thank you so much for giving me such a beautiful gift in this comment. It made me happy to know that this post connected to you and brought you peace as it was a message that resounded so clearly and so simply within me – just looking at these precious little birds. I hope you will soon be able to return to your place of peace and renewal in the desert. I know we shall hear from the stirrings of you heart then. With much love and always blessings to you and yours. And thank you for remembering my boys. Hugs, Sharon
I’m relishing your observations, we have a lot to learn from nature. Thanks for including this wonderful scripture. I get the intention, but feel we are equal in value to everything else. If we are an inter-connected piece of the whole, value is never a question. We all play our necessary little role in this heavenly construct. As is stated in the Tao: 10,000 things in motion, everything is as it should be. Blessings 😀
Hello Maddy!
I’ve been over at your wonderful space and enjoying the many fascinating posts you have written. I especially loved the one on the Seven Valleys. Thank you for your great feedback. Yes, I certainly do get where you are coming from. The sacredness of life is in all life. Every living thing is endowed with a breath of the Divine.
Man, gifted with the power of speech, endowed with intellect, mind and reason and consciousness perhaps have the greatest potential of reflecting the depths and greatness of this Divine mystery within himself and yet so often fails to live up to the fullness of his glory. While the bird glories at the height of its existence and lives in complete ease and alignment with itself.
Perhaps, in this context the word value lies in the essence which we as a human being so often forget. The value of reflecting the light which we keep dim. While the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields shine in their full splendour. I cherish the verse from the Tao. Indeed everything is as it should be.
Thank you so very much for coming by and for taking the time to share with me your thoughts. I appreciate it very much.
My warmest greetings,
Sharon
I loved this post, Kakak, thank you for writing this post and become another Light for the heart of humanity. I shared the post on Twitter, blessings and loveto you ♥
I thank you for your generous and kind heart my dear Subhan. Keep well, write on and be blessed. Sharon
I love birds too! Wonderful message, Sharon, and that bird is just so beautiful.
Dear Lee,
Thank you! I was happy to get this shot. I have the utmost respect for bird photographers. I think I must have stood at the same spot for over and hour with frozen fingers to get this shot 😀 How is Spring coming along on your side? I would love to see what birds come visit your garden! Hugs and love to all at home! Sharon
They have a life of their own, don’t they? I love them all, even the crows – or maybe especially the crows – that come and sit on my back porch railing to steal a piece of the cat food (that’s clearly not for them.) It would be a bleak world without their beauty and song. And your photos are just stunning! jeanne
Dear Jeanne,
My thoughts exactly – just how bleak the world would be without the birds. How empty the woods – how stark the mornings. Yes, I noticed your gravatar. Tell me the story. Crows are simply brimming over with intelligence and even a whole lot of swagger! I would love to hear about the crows that come sit on your back porch someday. Your marble cheesecake lingers on. I’m happy with this bird photo too! 😀 Sharon
Hi Sharon, My gravatar is taken from the drawing I did for the header on my website – here’s the full drawing and at right, the meaning the crow has for me as one of my totem animals – http://www.jeannebalsam.com/ Crows are among the most intelligent of all birds and have the highest brain to skull ratio of any wild bird.
Although I do ultimately have to ask them to leave and not eat the cat food I put out for my next door neighbor’s kitties, I sometimes stand very quietly at another door and watch the crows on the porch. They are very cautious, but also quite funny in how they sit on the railing and then pop down and bump the crow in the food out of the way. I could watch them all day. (but don’t really get my jobs done that way!) Hugs, Jeanne
Sharon at the moment I have a little red breasted robin that visits me every day. I know this will change with the seasons and he will move on, so I cherish the moments when he sits on the post and says his good morning with a twitter of sounds that are golden to to me. Lovely post
Dear Kath,
I can imagine the warm delight this little red robin must bring to you! I smile at the thought. So lovely to see you here! Sharon
Sharon,
I love bird watching-in my backyard. I don’t want to misrepresent myself and make it sound like I’m a hard core bird watcher! I am most impressed with the grace and ease of birds as the navigate through the skies- their universe. They don’t fly timid or with any reluctance. Each and every time they release from their perch, their exit is purposeful. If only we could go forward with such grace, direction and purpose every time we take a step. Creatures in nature just have it so together, don’t they?
What a beautiful observation Becky! I continue to learn from the birds and marvel at what I see every single time. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful thoughts. I am inspired reading them. Sharon
Not only have you captured a stunning and special bird, you also shared it with us with beautiful imagery. I love your introspection and perspective about a bird’s life and how they can show us what life is truly about. Thank you so much for a beautiful post.
It made me real glad you enjoyed this Emily! This is the Blue Tit found only in Europe, parts of Asia and North Africa. I’m so glad I got to share with you this lovely little creature from this side of the world. Thank you so much for your warm message. It means so much. Sharon
we watch birds all the time too, and enjoy the serenity it brings. Love your picture of the little birdy.
Martha!!! You always make my day when you pop over to say hi!! I love your forays into the wilds and everywhere in between my dear! 😀 So good to see you up and about and already up to all sorts of adventures I see. Love to your girls. I try to leave you comments but not sure if they ever get through? Keep in touch! Many hugs, Sharon
Thank you Girl for the lessons from the birds. No one else could express it better than the way you did. I am so proud of you. This morning my heart is lifted up once more to embrace the One who makes all things for His glory and for His pleasure. Thank you for the depth of your observation revealed in the heart of your writing. I love the pictures! Mom.
Dear Mom!
Wow, I’m so impressed to see you here! You did it – outsmarted the I-pad! Very glad you liked this post. I miss you so so much and wish you were here and we can take our walks on the promenade together. These photos were taken right towards the end of the promenade by the trees close to the statue of the seal. I miss you.
Great post. The birds teach us a lot. 🙂
Hello Masa!
That’s true! Thank you so much for keeping in touch and Japan looks so lovely this time of year. Enjoy the spring season with the family and warmest greetings. Sharon
The detail is superb, and so are your comments
I thank you so much for this kind feedback. Wishing you a great day! Sharon
This is gorgeous, beautiful. I would never have looked at the birds.
Actually, I had a fear of magpies for a long, long time (not sure if you know what they are, but they swoop on you when you happen to walk past their tree – I was PETRIFIED to walk past magpies for a LONG time).
I really like this – but very much, I do like your picture. What a GORGEOUS handsome bird!
Oh Noeleen,
That’s really too bad. I was just googling magpies and look what I found in this online journal. In a survey conducted in Australia, 90% of men and 72% of women have been attacked by magpies at some point in their lives! That’s just huge! No wonder you were traumatised by that incident. http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2002/07/04/2588235.htm
We have magpies here in Finland too but fortunately, we haven’t run into any troubles with them. Mostly, it’s the seagulls that are notorious around here snatching hotdogs and hamburgers right out of people’s hands.
But, I’m glad this little bird here caught your eye. He’s a sweet little thing and is a popular garden bird in Europe. May happiness and all things good fly into your life. Thank you so much for visiting and for the great notes you leave me. Take care and love to Daniel. Sharon
Beuatiful photo and beautifully written. Makes me grateful, and I look to observe some birds when I’m next outside. Peace
That’s so wonderful to know Bruce! I hope you will find many blessings and delight in watching the birds. Thank you so much for taking the time to come here and write me this note. I appreciate it. I wish you a really great day. Keep in touch! Sharon
Beautiful photos as usual my dear friend. Shaz you truly have magic with words. I always leave your blog with a warmth in my heart. Thank you so much for another wonderful post. big hugs, Renee 🙂 ♥
That surely made my day Renee. To know that someone leaves this place carrying a warmth in their hearts. I thank you so much. Big hugs back to you! Shaz
You are so welcome Shaz. 🙂 Renee hugs.
Sharon, You are the ‘Bird’, exactly 100 of us (likes so far) have been encouraged by! Fly high! ♥ Fae. 😀
Thank you so much my dear Fae! Joy gives us wings. Thank you for the joy. Sharon
Sharon, these photos (and your words) are lovely; in what part of the world did you snap the pictures? Here in the Balkans, we’ve seen a gentleman in seemingly every city who takes time to feed the birds. It’s a touching gesture.
Hello Tricia!
Are you still in the Balkans? Which country? I have loved following your adventures through Croatia. And how heartwarming to see folks who take the time to feed the birds. Thank you for asking about this bird photos. I have included the information now on the post itself. This is the Blue Tit – a popular garden bird also to be found only in Europe, some parts of Asia and North Africa. Thank you so much for dropping by and I wish you and Shawn a wonderful trip. Keep us posted on your latest adventures. Hugs, Sharon
Dear Sharon,
Yes, we’re still in the Balkans. Our travels have taken us from various spots in Croatia, to Montenegro and today, to Albania. We’re hoping to make it to a few more countries before we leave the region (Bosnia-Herzegovina, which I visited in 2007, but my husband has not yet been there, as well as Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, etc.)
Perhaps when we return to Germany we’ll see this lovely bird. Last night, as we looked over the Adriatic from our little guesthouse’s terrace, a flock of swallows frenetically flew about. They seemed so carefree and happy; it was really a special moment for us. Wishing you a splendid day!
Lovely photos, Sharon! And your meditation of the nature of birds certainly gives us much food for thought.
It is interesting how humans generally regard themselves separate from and supreme over nature, but often find themselves to be so lost. With all their intelligence and knowledge, they are the only beings on earth who manage to become utterly estranged from themselves. We can indeed learn much from nature! Nature is following the universal Way. When we get lost or out of balance, all we have to do is observe nature and align ourselves with it. This will always help us get back on track.
Nature is indeed the most eloquent book and one of the best teachers I know.
It would do us all humans well to read it with reverence. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts which I share deeply and with increasing awareness and appreciation. Indeed I often find myself wanting the same ease and natural alignment which I see in the birds, in the strength of the trees, the rootedness of all living things to the divine while we pale in comparison to the splendour of the lilies and the calmness of a cow grazing in the fields 😀 Food for thought indeed.
Thank you Andelieya for this visit and for leaving me this message. May we all learn the beautiful art of balance and be at one with all life.
With warmest wishes,
Sharon
This was just was I needed to hear, Sharon! You are so right, birds do seem just to be right in the moment, and when the storms are raging, they simply ‘hunker down’. I need to take a leaf from their book.
Oh how happy your little message made me! During one blizzardly day, I saw this tiny fluff of a bird just hunkering down with his eyes closed and a pile of snowdrift heaped up on its head. And I have remembered that scene ever since. Thanks for writing Yaz. Wishing you a lovely day. Sharon
What beautiful captures and a wonderful post… One of the main reasons I’m constantly running to Nature is to observe; it serves as a beautiful reminder, a grounding. And in my area, there are so many BIRDS. 🙂 So that’s what I’m often using as my reminder.
I can just imagine what treasures you bring with you FeyGirl in your time outdoors seeking out the gems of Nature. I feel your delight through your photos every single time! Thank you for writing. So good to hear from you. Sharon
Absolutely wonderful.Can man learn this wisdom? greetings jalal
I love watching birds flitting about, flying from tree to tree, eating at the feeder, fighting over who gets to stand where at the feeder, making nests, and digging for worms. Some of the most beautiful concerts I have been privileged to hear have been presented by birds. Beautiful post, Sharon. Birds have such a calming effect just being birds.
Dearest Brenda,
I can feel from your comment, how your heart has often soared in noticing the blessings of these wonderful creatures! There is nothing that can match the song of the blackbird echoing in the late evening. The forest is now a chorus that is building in crescendo with every passing day. I wish you a day filled with joy dear friend. Thinking of you. Sharon
This is so beautiful dear Sharon, and also beautiful writing… Thanks and Love, nia
Dear Nia,
Always a joy to see you here and to receive the warmth of your message. Blessings to you and a hug, Sharon
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What a lovely post Sharon. I was wondering when we would see poetry from you again, and I think you answered it. I’m not sure if it was intentional but the flow and rhythm of this read like poetry. Watching the birds has been a fascination
… I must have accidentally hit “Post Comment” (sorry about that)… Watching birds has been a fascination since I was a boy. I just love them.
And I’m not at all surprised that you have always loved watching birds even as a boy! I believe it lives on today.
Dear Chris,
Oh that’s really very clever of you! I actually did initially start off by writing a poem but it somehow started to lean towards being cute and clever 😀 So, I changed it while keeping some lines which carried the main thrust of the message I so wanted to convey from watching the birds.
Thank you for making me run back to read my words. I was most delighted that you liked the rhythm and flow of this piece. I was rather pleased with it myself. 😀 Thank you so much. It always means a lot to hear from you. Sharon
So true, they’re wonderful creatures and I couldn’t imagine life in my garden without their beautiful song and dance routines. The photos are stunning, blue tits are one of my hubby’s favourite birds, they’re such delightful little characters 🙂
That Gospel passage always assured me that God will take care of my needs. Thank you for a thoughtful post, Sharon. 🙂
This brings a smile to my face again. A few days ago, my husband was watching the birds from our kitchen window. He said, “I wonder if the birds are looking at each other with envy, “Look at her, she’s so bright yellow. Or, in fact, feeling inadequate because they are too plump and having a bit of trouble holding on and eating their seeds.” We both laughed at the silliness of our human selves in relationship to these perfect creatures.
” here are always songs to sing each day. And storms will pass away. Just hunker down for a bit in the meantime…” Just lov these lines Sharon…
what a post Sharon..and fantastic photos to go with it…
lov this
take care
Sriram
Great words. I will try to remember them when I need to look at the birds in my garden, every day. And wonderful photos too.
Beautiful, Sharon! Birds and nature have been highly therapeutic for me, and I also cannot imagine a world without them!
Such an inspiring and beautiful post Sharon! Thank you so much for this incredible message, so wonderfully written. I too agree that birds bring lessons, as you put it so eloquently: “The unshakeable assurance that all is well.”
With love and gratitude to you, Gina
Great post! What lovely words and thoughts. I sit here smiling:)
I can totally connect with your thoughts. Lovely blog you have here. I experienced life through a bird in a beach in India recently and it was a heart warming experience.
Beautiful post Sharon! I love the photos of that adorable little bird.
This is such a graceful and lovely post. I love watching the birds too. Yesterday when visiting old friends they showed us a wrens’ nest in their garden, so beautifully and painstakingly made.
I love that your Mum writes on here too. Cherish her! I wish I still had mine to do the same. She would have beaten the iPad too! 🙂
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I enjoyed this beautifully photographed post with its uplifting message. Mother nature has it all!
Thank you for following my blog. I’ll visit again.
Reblogged this on sueshan123.
I love your article!
Wonderful nature pix. It’s not just a picture, but a deep dive.
I love the pictures here Sharon-and what a wonderful reminder of the beauty and abundance that birds offer-I have windows in my office that face a large cherry tree in the front and a fig tree on the side-I am so used to hearing singing, scolding and chirps from the many birds who visit the feeders-some days I think it just does not get any better than this!