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