No Worries

Not long ago, I watched this ground squirrel scurry around looking for food. Each time he found a morsel, he stopped and munched. I had a feeling he was content with his life. No worries about finding food or shelter or meeting the perfect mate.

We humans have designed such complicated lives. We’ve created a myriad of things to worry about...family, finances, safety, health…so many concerns. Contentment is elusive and fleeting.

I admire the beings who live in the natural world. They exude a feeling of well-being. I envy their contentment and long to know their secret.

So many lessons from the natural world...

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

Direction

Such a delight…a beautiful hummingbird resting briefly on a branch. 

As I watched the little bird flit from flower to flower, I marveled at his quick but graceful movements. Up, down, backwards, forwards, and sideways. I’ve read that hummingbirds are the only birds who can fly in all directions…amazing.

As I studied him, I had a thought. Sometimes it feels like life is moving at the speed of a hummingbird. Unforeseen things happen all the time, and opportunities come from all directions.

A chance for forgiveness might come from behind me, from my past, while an opportunity for partnership comes from beside me.

Perhaps there's a message from this lovely bird. A reminder that life’s greatest opportunities may appear unexpectedly and from any direction.

I appreciate the reminder to pay attention. And to be more like the hummingbird, flowing easily and gracefully with all that life offers.

Something to ponder…inspired by a beautiful bird.

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

Peace Within

So beautiful…a black phoebe. As I watched her peacefully resting on a log, I had a thought. It’s in nature where I feel the most peaceful and connected to a forcefield beyond my human thinking.

When I spend time with the Earth, the trauma and drama of the everyday world fades. Nature is a reassuring place to rest and reorient.

Thich Nhat Hanh once said, ‘You can only serve the cause of peace when you have some peace within yourself.’

On a beautiful afternoon, I relished a moment of peace…shared with a lovely black phoebe.

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