Intuition

I noticed this little bird at the edge of a pond last week. He was taking a bath and didn’t seem to mind that I was nearby.

As I watched him splash around in the water, I had a thought. Everything he needs is provided by the Earth. And all he must do is follow his instincts, his intuition.

As I studied the bird, I realized that animals always follow their intuition. That’s how they’re designed. They don’t stop to analyze or ponder, or wonder if they’re doing the right thing. They simply follow the guidance they receive and know what action to take.

We humans are gifted with intuition as well. That inner voice that appears when we become still and silent. Not the ego’s thinking and desires, but that quiet voice that transcends our human experiences. An untapped well of support in our challenging human world.

Something to ponder…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

In Good Company

Hawks are solitary animals. I often see them perched alone on tree branches. What must that be like? No company or conversation or engagement with other hawks, except perhaps during mating season. Do they ever feel lonely?

As I watched this beautiful hawk commune with his habitat, I had a thought. Like the hawk, I, too, usually wander alone. But I never feel lonely in the natural world. There’s something about the elements and the trees and the animals…for myself, there’s a calming presence that’s palpable.

As I continued walking, I realized that whether I’m in a forest, or on a beach, or sitting by a river, I feel different than I do in the everyday world. Relaxed, content, with little worry about what will happen next in my life.

Perhaps that’s how the hawk feels, simply enjoying exactly where he is, doing exactly what he’s guided to do.

It’s that feeling of calm that draws me into nature over and over again…a feeling that all is right with the world. And I carry that feeling back into my everyday life.

I’m so very grateful…

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)

The Promise of Spring

A few days ago, I sat on the bank of one of my favorite ponds and enjoyed a hint of spring. Bright sunshine, a gentle breeze, chirping birds, and blossoming trees. I was in heaven.

I love all the seasons, but there’s something so very special about the beginning of spring. The vibrant colors and sounds, the energy and excitement of awakening beings…such a contrast to the deep quiet of winter.

As my eyes roamed the landscape, I spotted this lovely frog, the first frog I had seen since last fall. He spent his winter at the bottom of the pond, metabolism slowed with no need for food. The gradual warming of the water had awakened him.

He sat quietly in the shallow water enjoying the sunshine. I suspect this charming frog, like me, was delighted with the preview of the new season.

I love spring…and the promise of new beginnings.

(New photos on website Gallery:  wandernature.com/new-photos)