
On Sunday morning I enjoy easing into my day around 7 am. As the sun wakes up and streaks yellows, oranges, and the occasional prism of colors in the clouds, I begin to feel one with the universe. As the light warms the oak tree canopies I begin to hear the sound of song birds in the distance. The first to share her delight with life is the mockingbird. She has a strong vibrant whistle that can sing a variety of tunes. Next are the blue jays with loud joyous calls, while their babies are tweeting softly. The doves circle around the feeding tray softly cooing, (yes, I’m guilty of feeding the birds. Is it ethical? It brings me joy, is that selfish? Is it bad to change the natural way of things? Leave a comment below) That’s a topic for another day.

Sometimes I’m blessed with the high pitch, yet strong song from a cardinal, or a family of black birds, that hack and cough to scare others away, it’s kinda funny. Woodpeckers that knock, knock, knock their heads against a tree, then sneek in to the free breakfast tray when no one is looking.

Some days I may throw out some old bread crumbs, and on those days 10 to 20 crows will flock to my oak tree tops. Then after a few minutes of scouting the area, they will swoop down enmass each one flying directly to his piece of bread. It is an amazing display of organized nature at work. It is awesome watching them perform this precision dance as a collective group.

On my most blessed days a Cooper’s hawk will disrupt the entire scene buzzing in, trying to pick one of the birds off as they enjoy breakfast. The hawk misses its first attack, which seems to be more of a reconnaissance mission, and will then perch high on one of the trees. Here it can observe the action below. However the second the hawk shows up, all other wildlife vanishes. One second nature having a breakfast fiesta, the next only the hawk remains.

Rumor has it that many cultures view having a hawk in your life as a good omen. I view it as a strong sign that God, the universe, Source, nature is on my side, and bringing me strength. It doesn’t matter if that’s true or not. As long as I believe it, it is making me stronger mentally. As this display of strength only happens sporadically, I see it as the universe giving me strength when I need it most.

My connection to nature is what keeps me going in a positive direction. We all need a way to get through our daily lives without going insane. With work, families, friends, bills, etc. when do you find time to reconnect with who you really are? Do you ever stop to “smell the roses?” If you are searching for a way to keep your body and mind balanced, take a minute and enjoy the natural world around you. If you are looking for answers to your life’s questions, pay attention to the bird that just flew by, or the fly that just keeps sitting on your shoulder. Maybe, just maybe the universe has your back, and is trying to point you in the direction of least resistance to achieving your dreams.
The next time you experience a crow, cawing non-stop loudly outside of your window, take a second to reflect on the possibilities that nature is trying to help you, then show gratitude by saying thank you for the experience. Whether it’s real or not, you will feel better, and mentally you will be stronger because nature is on your side. You will feel as if you have a partner in life. It works for me, you may want to try it for yourself, or search online
