I just experienced one of the most magical moments. It was an unexpected “hello” as I sat sipping my morning coffee, basking in a serene, lakeside setting.
I could hear the little creature before I saw her, that humming sound unmistakable. I turned my head slowly to see her fluttering above the cascade of flowers that filled the deck box. We locked eyes and stared at one another for a second or two. Then she darted close to my face, literally inches away, hovering there and greeting me with the characteristic joy that a hummingbird always displays. It was incredible and it filled me with awe!
She had a message for me, of that there was no doubt. It only took me seconds to receive it. Her message was this: “Pay attention to all that is around you right now and soak it in.” And more, “I guarantee it will bring you greater joy than whatever you are seeing on that device.”
You see, just at the instant she appeared, I was distracted. Yes, I was sitting surrounded in beauty, but I was watching a social media clip rather than watching the dance of the lake coming to life. The woman speaking on my Facebook feed was discussing the heightened polarization that is happening on our planet right now, especially here in the United States. She was relating her dismay over the fact that this divisiveness seems to be getting louder and uglier, with people working overtime to get their “right” point across.
I can certainly feel this extreme polarization in the current climate. There is no way of avoiding it as it seems to be so “in your face” at every corner. However, my little hummingbird friend wanted to challenge that thought process by simply reminding me that I have a choice in each moment. I could choose to interact with that polarizing energy and keep it “in my face” or I could face a different and more peaceful direction. I could choose in that moment to ingest from a source that creates division or choose to align and receive from a source that is truly impartial and non-polarizing…the natural world.
I have always turned to the natural world as a source for soul-healing and recharging. Thankfully, an appreciation and awe of nature’s treasures was instilled in me as a young child. I feel deep gratitude for a childhood in which long hours spent outdoors – during all seasons – was commonplace.
My most treasured childhood memories were of days spent at the country home of my grandparents. My Papa cleared the land and built the home with the help of his son. Every season had its splendor. Summer days of swimming at the nearby lake, exploring the woods together with my Papa and picking wild blueberries are etched in my mind. Winter conjures up memories of warming frozen toes by the fire after an afternoon of ice skating on the pond, capped off with hot cocoa and Nana’s famous fudge. These are just a glimpse of the many wonderful experiences that shaped my love of being in nature.
Time spent in nature and exploring all it has to offer, is as important to me today as it ever was. What I realize even more in these middle age years of my life, is just how great a gift to humanity nature is. Spending these past few days at a lovely, lakeside home on Newfound Lake, New Hampshire has heightened my appreciation for the magic and beauty of the natural world. Though I had never visited the area, it had been on my radar and when my soul was calling for an escape, I listened. I followed an intuitive hunch (so important to do) while on a group work text and asked if anybody had a connection to a rental property in the lakes region of New Hampshire. Sure enough, a coworker came through and referred me to a family member. To my delight, he had availability the following week and I jumped at the chance. I will be leaving to return home in a few hours and plan on savoring every single minute.
Being lakeside and inhaling the surrounding mountain air, has been the greatest natural tranquilizer on my system. The level of relaxation I have felt is one that I wish I could bottle. But I am reminded that Mother Nature’s gifts, her creatures and healing properties, can be found almost anywhere. Whether it is a backyard bird feeder or a stroll through a local park, all it requires is a watchful eye, and the willingness to be still and remain present to enjoy it.
Perhaps now, more than ever, it would behoove us to take advantage of this free and abundant resource, always being mindful to respect and treat her with the care and dignity she deserves. Perhaps now, more than ever, it would be wise for us to seek her counsel, knowing full-well that her impartiality and wisdom will never steer us in the “wrong” direction.
Mother Nature has only one party affiliation…Source, the Creator of All. Her platform and message, simple and straightforward…life, death, rebirth, joy, beauty, peace, abundance, cooperation, kindness, non-judgment, inclusivity, respect, unity and above all else – love.
Perhaps now, more than ever, it is time we truly listen.