I begin my mornings on the back porch in my hot tub. It’s part of my morning ritual of reflection and gratitude. I recently started feeding the birds. I put out suet, hummingbird, and birdseed feeders. I enjoy watching the interactions between the different species of birds in my yard.
The empath in me eagerly watches each of their different personalities shine through. As a person who struggles with mental illness, I have been trying to find the balance in my life. I am trying to “Just Be.” This is not an easy thing for my overthinking brain to achieve. I live in a hypervigilant state at all times. This is the result of childhood trauma and other things I have experienced over my lifetime. My jaw is always clenched, neck and shoulder are tight and I deal with chronic exhaustion that never goes away. Serenity is worth more to me than money. Watching the birds is very calming for me.
Every bird that visits is unique in its own way, but there’s one who has captured my heart more so than the others. Enter Donnie. Donnie is a Red Bellied Woodpecker. His bright red head obviously caught my attention, but his presence drew me in unlike any other bird. Donnie has a shy curiosity about him. When he is at the suet feeder he slyly peers around the post almost to check and see if notice him. While he’s eating he caws at me as if to say thanks. I caw back in an attempt to connect. It’s almost as if he’s saying to me “I see you. I see how hard you’re trying. You are safe, I am always nearby.” He brings me a sense of comfort. He has the respect of the other birds, too. When he announces his arrival it’s almost as if they clear space for him to eat. I quietly questioned if what I was witnessing was actually happening. My interactions with Donnie seemed to have a greater, more spiritual meaning for me. I wondered if I was reading too much into it, I mean he’s just a bird right? To me, Donnie is a powerful reminder of God’s beautiful creations and protection.
This morning I witnessed the Sparrows, Juncos, Thrushes, and Grosbeaks enjoying their breakfast. Peaceful chirps of happiness, no worries from them. I envied their ability to “Just Be.” Suddenly a group of noisy Grackles arrived. I compare them to a group of noisy teenagers showing up to disrupt the tranquility in the yard. Yet even when they are around, they are respectful of Donnie.
Off in the distance I heard a Blue Jay. I don’t see them often, but their screeching is unmistakable. I recently learned that Blue Jays will eat baby birds. [Yuck, they are the Epsteins of the bird world!] The Blue Jay arrived at the feeder. Within seconds Donnie swooped in and chased off the intruder. I couldn’t believe it! Donnie was protecting his little community, or at least that was how it appeared to me. I was reminded that even though I couldn’t see Donnie before this, he was keeping watch on the community. Much like how Jesus watches over us. He’s always close by. This was my spiritual reminder for today!
I have been striving to understand the reason for living. Surely it’s not just to work and pay taxes, or to acquire things. When God created the world he thought of everything. Everything has a purpose. Everything is vibration and energy that is constantly changing. This world is what we make of it. It can be beautiful and abundant or it can be Hell on Earth. I choose to make this life one that is filled with love and purpose.
I am grateful to my talented husband for building me this beautiful sanctuary. A place for all of God’s creatures to be safe and loved. I am grateful to God for guardian angels like Donnie. Today I am getting better at letting go of things that no longer serve me. I am embracing my ability to “Just Be” – one day at a time.
How do you decompress from life’s stressful times? What is something that you are grateful for today? Drop me a note in the comments.
Namaste.
Adventures With A Woodpecker Named Donnie
