Magical Ways

To me, hummingbirds are magical creatures…colorful, quick, and delightfully unpredictable. Watching this beautiful bird flit among the trees, I was reminded of a little girl I recently saw in the woods.

She looked to be about five years old, wearing a purple raincoat and teal rain boots. I saw her gathering golden leaves, her parents watching.

As she laughed delightedly with each precious find, I realized she viewed life through a magical lens. To her, the seemingly ordinary fallen leaves were treasures, each one a marvel.

I suspect children and animals instinctively know things we adults have long forgotten. In their deep-heartedness, they open the door to a world of creativity and magic. Such a gift…

Imagine if we could recapture our innocent, open-hearted ways. What a different world it would be...

(Click link to see more photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Wise Words

I was charmed by this little tree swallow chick patiently waiting for food at the window of his tree home. What a picture of innocence and vulnerability.

As I watched him, I realized how completely dependent he is on his parents to care for him, protect him, and teach him all he needs to know.

And I had a thought. Living on this planet is a gift and a privilege, and with it comes responsibility. Responsibility to the generations who follow us…the children of all species including animals, plants, trees and humans.

Chief Seattle once said, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.’

Wise words…

(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Innocent Wisdom

I watched this beautiful shore bird forage in the wetlands. He darted from spot to spot, eager and confident in his hunt for food.

His energy reminded me of a young girl I recently spotted in a park. I remember grinning as I watched her delightedly chase robins across the grass. I suspected that in her toddler innocence, she saw no difference between herself and the birds.

Children and animals exude a wild innocence that contains wisdom. A deep knowing that we’re all related, and life can be an incredible adventure. Perhaps the key is to lean into the light and embrace life, with hearts wide open.

Just like the bird and the little girl...

(Additional photos:  wandernature.com/new-photos)