spirit animals

Sandhill Crane Invites Us To Come Back into Balance

Sandhill Crane for my upcoming Animal Reflections Oracle Deck

Small magical moments are often playing out around us. But how often do we just dismiss them or think of them as coincidences? I used to be afraid of sharing such moments for fear of others thinking I was just weird.

But you know what? I’m really liking this thing of being ‘weird.’ And you know what else? It’s really not weird at all. It’s just that we’ve been conditioned to think it is.

Here’s an example of one such small moment that played out for me in the last 24-hours. 

Before I left my studio yesterday afternoon, I randomly pulled a card from the animal deck I’m creating and from the twelve I still need to write messages for. I like to do this so I can simmer in the energy of the animal before I work on writing the message the next day.

Since I’ve been back from vacation I’ve been thinking about self-care and some things I’m working on for myself in that area. While I was getting ready for the day this morning, I was listening to an interview with Anita Moorjani and her newest book called, “Sensitive is the New Strong.”

While the subject of empaths and highly sensitive people isn’t new, I welcome hearing more about it because it resonates with me. I especially enjoyed hearing her take on what the world would be like if there were more sensitive’s in leadership positions. 

While I don’t particularly care for labels, I strongly identify with being a sensitive being. I feel everything. This hasn’t always been easy and sometimes still isn’t. But I continue to understand the vital role that self-care is for me and being sensitive. And the last two years with all the upheaval, it has in many ways been beneficial as I’ve learned even more that as I take things in, I must also let them go instead of consuming me.

So perhaps you are wondering what this has to do with Sandhill Crane’s energy and small magical moments? 

Well, when I see or hear a Sandhill Crane I am brought to a place within myself that feels connected to some ancient wisdom. It seems like cranes have been here on this planet for so very long. A quick search on the internet brought me an answer that they’ve been around for over 2 million years! That’s a mighty long time.

When they migrate to Wisconsin in spring and I first hear their call or catch a glimpse of them in the sky or feeding in a field, a sense of calm washes over me. They are a connection for me in revisiting what really matters – simple pleasures – a simpler way of life – a life that is more in balance and grounded.

Sandhill Crane is very protective of their young and while the chicks will walk just eight hours after birth, the mother cares for them for a year. This spoke to me as mothering my own inner self when I know I’m in need of self-care and being protective of my energy when I’m feeling out of balance.

So as all of this was floating around in my mind, I happened to glance out my bedroom patio doors just in time to see two Sandhill Cranes fly overhead. 

This is one of those magical moments when I know the Universe just sent me a confirmation of what I’d been feeling and contemplating. 

So while some may think this is a strange way of looking at life, being sensitive benefits me with the advantage of experiencing the joy of this confirmation.

And I come back to reflecting on what Anita said about more sensitive’s being in leadership roles. I can feel the positive, inspiring, and hopeful implications of that when I think about what is all playing out in our world right now. It’s time to let go of the old and stagnant ways that just aren’t working and come back to remembering who we really are and what really matters. In many ways I see this as going back to what we’ve always known and has always been here, but that we lost our way.

And Sandhill Crane seems fitting for tapping back into that ancient wisdom that will bring us back into alignment and open us to having more compassion for all beings.

XO

Barb

                  

March 2022- Animal Wisdom Reading: Owl and Healing the Pain

This month it is Owl who swoops in as our guide. Owl reminds us that though life can feel painful at times, it’s staying in touch with our higher self that connects us back to our hearts. Plus a special appearance by one of the cards from my upcoming Animal Reflections Oracle Deck!

No obligation, but if you would like to support my animal wisdom readings, $5 will get a thank you 4x 6 animal print (my own art) from me in the mail – US ONLY and be sure to include your address in your note so I can send it!  🙂  Click here to donate.

Take good care.

XO

Barb

                  

Introducing my NEW Dimensional Animal Art!

Just as I sat down to write this post these lyrics went through my mind: “What the world needs now is love sweet love.” 

Love for the animal kingdom and opening myself to their teachings has definitely brought more love into my life.

My new dimensional animal art is inspired by the idea that animals offer such diverse teachings. They guide us to open to different perspectives and encourage us to welcome in the many different dimensions of ourselves.

This is a good thing! Because each layer and facet of who we are shapes us and has something of value to offer us. Even the parts of us that we may struggle with.

And the animals are here on this planet as loving messengers and most willing to serve us every step of the way toward loving all parts of who we are.

There have been many different animals that have guided me to go beneath the surface and explore with love what it was I needed to heal. I’m forever grateful to them for this. And why I was inspired to create these new pieces of art that are now for sale.

You can see more photos of these in my Etsy shop, plus a short video of each to view the dimensional aspect with the layers and how the animals ‘pop’ from the wood surface.

They are mixed media on 3 x 5 wooden templates and include pieces of nature I collect on my walks or from around my Joyful Pause Cottage such as flowers, feathers, branches, and stones.

Each piece also includes a few sparkly gems, because the animals most definitely are masters at helping us to shine our light and live with more joy!

Available now in my Etsy shop here!

XO

Barb

P.S. My Etsy shop will be closed from March 4th through April 10th as I take some time away to enjoy myself with my husband in our Rpod camper and a warm climate.