The Sparrow and Spider with Some Timely Guidance

Posted by Barbara Techel

When I saw this sweet sparrow perched upon the hook outside my Joyful Pause Cottage studio, all fluffed out after taking a bath in the birdbath, I was surprised at how it didn’t seem in a hurry to fly off.

I sensed a message about to unfold as I sat in quiet observation, and contemplation of why Sparrow was right outside my window at this moment.

As I’ve currently been seeking clarity about something, I can still at times react from a place of fear and go into a protective shell, not wanting to explore what is being presented. I want to stay small. As if that will protect me from pain.

I thought about how Sparrow had just taken a bath – “naked” and out in the open elements – for anyone to see. Though Sparrow wasn’t hiding but rather appreciating the water to cleanse itself of debris and dirt that had accumulated. If they don’t do this their ability to fly will be hindered.

I understood this as a reflection that when difficult issues arise it’s a needed nudge to clear away the gunk that has built up in one’s life. The sticky stuff of life that can cause us to feel matted down and want to shrink away out of fear. In that place we can’t find clarity. Our wings of growth are stunted.

The freshly bathed sparrow sitting on that hook, the wind having plumped up its plumage, reminded me once again to see difficulty as an opportunity to a new way forward. Sparrow was reminding me too that in the challenging times of life, the importance of not hiding away, but remembering to incorporate those things that help one feel centered when one feels uncertain.

This is vitally necessary to see the path ahead and fly forward in a more confident way.

Thanks to that message from sparrow, I grew excited to do something to feed my soul. So, after a quick search on the internet, I grabbed my laptop and some water, and off I went to a park I’d never visited before.

And it was there, writing this post, that another creature came to provide me with a blessing. A small green spider that insisted on climbing on my leg to which I’d gently brush it off time and time again because it tickled.

But I welcomed that message too and reflected on Spider and the message of Rebirth:

“Like a helpful friend, Spider sits beside you lovingly and patiently, and encourages you to stay the course. It may be helpful to see Spider like Charlotte in the book, “Charlotte’s Web” – compassionate and holding you in complete love and understanding as you move through intense feelings.

Spider is here to assure you those long-held wounds you bravely face and heal will ultimately set you free. You are the one who chooses the web you wish to create. The past, once given voice, becomes a beautiful exchange gifting you with a rebirth and unlimited possibilities as you move forward to sing your authentic song with confidence and joy.”

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle by Barbara Techel

XO

Barb

    

A Heart-Warming Poem & Update on Shipping of Animal Reflections Healing Oracle decks

Posted by Barbara Techel
Photo Credit

For those of you who ordered my Animal Reflections Healing Oracle deck during the launch period, I’m happy to let you know they are on their way to you – way ahead of schedule! Woo hoo! So most of you should have them no later than Tuesday of next week. And I’ll now have them in stock also!

And now onto this lovely poem I recently heard that I wanted to share with you…

Remember by Joy Harjo

Remember the sky that you were born under,
know each of the star’s stories.
Remember the moon, know who she is.
Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the
strongest point of time. Remember sundown
and the giving away to night.
Remember your birth, how your mother struggled
to give you form and breath. You are evidence of
her life, and her mother’s, and hers.
Remember your father. He is your life, also.
Remember the earth whose skin you are:
red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth
brown earth, we are earth.
Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their
tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,
listen to them. They are alive poems.
Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the
origin of this universe.
Remember you are all people and all people
are you.
Remember you are this universe and this
universe is you.
Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.
Remember language comes from this.
Remember the dance language is, that life is.
Remember.

XO

Barb

    

It’s More Than Just a Door to the Garden…

Posted by Barbara Techel
Our three year raised bed garden plan and project came to completion over the weekend with the final addition of the door!

Three years in the making.

One raised garden bed, then two.

Last fall a third.

The anticipation during the cold winter months grew.

For the final phase of the project

still just a dream in our imagination.

And then after all that waiting,

Just like that,

The door was added

And it was complete!

And now I sit

in complete admiration

Starring at this sweet door

made by the skilled and well-worn hands

Of my dear husband.

It’s more than just a door to the garden

It’s an opening to another portal

That came together via a labor of love

And a passion for creativity and nature

and an adventure of gardening

that will provide new lessons from Mother Nature

and help us grow and learn more about ourselves too.

XO

Barb