The Winds

I spotted him high in a tree...a magnificent bald eagle.

As I watched his feathers blow in the strong breeze, I wondered if the wind bothered him. I suspected not, as animals appear to flow with what comes their way.

And I had a thought. How many times have I fought the winds? Not the blowing winds but the winds of life, the challenges.

And I remembered something I heard years ago. When the winds blow, don’t fight them. Lean in and let them take you, and lessons and blessings will arise.

Perhaps the winds are not an enemy to battle. Maybe they simply clear the air, allowing us to see beyond our preconceived ideas and move forward.

So perhaps the next time the winds arise in my life, I can relax and trust the process.

And like the eagle, take it all stride…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Peaceful Co-Existence

Each fall tundra swans fly more than 3000 miles from their home in the Arctic to spend the winter in the Northwest. Many of these beautiful swans spend the cold months living among the other resident and migratory birds.

A few days ago, I watched this swan feeding close to some resting pintail ducks. No fuss, no conflict, no asserting of power, no battles over who belongs and who doesn’t.

No evidence of greed, or hoarding, or concern about who owns what territory.

Simply a peaceful co-existence, affirming that there is enough for all, and a place for everyone.

I suspect that sharing is a natural human inclination, sometimes clouded over by our fears.

I’m once again grateful to the natural world for the reminder of our true nature…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)

Silence

This hawk rested quietly for a long while, occasionally stretching his wings as the sun peeked through the dark clouds. Such a magnificent being.

As I watched him, I had a thought. He was operating in an easy rhythm…hunt, rest, hunt, rest. Animals know when it’s time to quiet. They follow the natural rhythms of the Earth.

The quiet also beckons to us, offering an opportunity to reflect. To slow our thoughts and welcome the dreams and visions of our hearts, and to begin to feel what’s possible.

I suspect the hawk was a reminder to spend more time in the silence. Perhaps the key to gracefully navigating an uncertain and uncharted world.

I welcome the inspiration…

(Link to New Photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)