animal symbolism

Chickadee Reminded Me of the Sweetness of Life

Posted by Barbara Techel

It can be easy to get lost in the chaos of the world.

Sitting at my art table this morning excited to work on my next project piece, this darling chickadee sat for the longest time on the suet feeder, while my laundry on the line blew in the breeze.

It moved me to tears. The sweetness of life, I thought. This is what brings such joy to my heart.

Yesterday I’d gone down the rabbit hole with all that continues to swirl in the world – so much that does not make sense to me. My heart hurt for all the suffering.

Later in the day, I’d recalled what a teacher who hosts a monthly group I’m taking part in said, “The mind can’t take it, but the heart can.” I wrote that out and taped it to the mirror on my vanity.

Though at times it feels like my heart can’t take it, it really is the mind that goes into fear, when the heart knows what to do.

The sweet chickadee reminded me that I can choose contentment at any moment, which after looking it up, is exactly what they symbolize — that, and happiness. A tiny bird that reminds us of the joy in simple pleasures.

I also read that Chickadee is a homebody bird. Well, if that didn’t literally hit home in my heart, as I am a homebody too. This soft place that I perch and take refuge in when the world around me is confusing…and how grateful I am for my physical home, but also my inner home that I’ve worked hard to stay in alignment with what is true for me.

Thank you, dear Chickadee, for your presence and the reflection that turns out to be the best present I could have asked for today.

XO

Barb

                  

The Stillness and a Gift from Red Squirrel

Posted by Barbara Techel

It is around 10 am as I write this today. The sun is out in full force enticing the grass from its slumber. My writing cottage window next to my desk is open a crack and I hear the sounds of sandhill cranes overhead.

Red squirrel as has been his daily visit to our deck and task of filling his tummy, I note the distinct sound of quiet that is outside my window except for the sounds of nature.

The stillness envelops my whole being as I sink into this space of knowing this is a new normal for all of us right now.

I recognize why I’ve been feeling, for the most part, calm during this time of uncertainty. For many years now I’ve been making these shifts within my own psyche to come as often as possible to this space of stillness.

I realize why it is that when I’ve gone out into the world I’d feel the angst and hurriedness from those around me. My daily life, for the most part, is spent in lots of quiet time, and over the years I’ve learned that not being in a hurry or stressed is actually a gift to my nervous system.

So as I sit here at my writing desk, the world outside and for many has come to a halt with staying put, I’m welcoming how this is feeling so good to my own being as more have joined with what I’ve been practicing for many years now. 

And red squirrels symbolism of focused energy is an invitation that when we take this time to journey inward we come to discover things we may not have realized before in our hurried lives. And red squirrel reminds us of the important choice of the activity of play as one we all need more of in order to find our way back to what really matters.

xo,

Barbara

 

 

How to Deal with “Monkey Mind” – Intuitive Oracle Guide Reading

Posted by Barbara Techel

It’s funny how the mind can work. Just this morning upon waking I thought, ” Oh no! I didn’t share my oracle reading from last week on my blog.”  I really enjoy doing these general readings for you and I especially enjoyed this one being that it was prompted from a question from a woman named, Dianna.

And I know we have all dealt with “monkey mind” more than we may care to admit! 🙂

I hope you find this reading helpful and without further ado…

XO,
Barbara