Being mindful by listening to and watching the birds in the garden:
I’ve always found the great outdoors to be a great healer.
Having to spend most of my time lying on my bed in my childhood bedroom, it’s such a blessing to be outside. And if it’s warm enough and dry enough, and I’m feeling well enough, you can usually find me sitting in the garden.
We are lucky to have a chorus of birdsong in our garden from dawn til dusk (although a 4:30am start is a little too early for me, take note feathered friends!).
Today, I felt privileged to be privy to a conversation between two blackbirds. One was perched on a branch, the other I couldn’t see but I could hear.
The birdsong went back and forth for a good 10 minutes or so. It sounded like they were having a good old chin wag and I thought how wonderful it would be if I could understand them.
Later this afternoon, a pigeon flew down to take a dip in our birdbath under 3 metres away from where I was sitting. It was a real delight to watch my feathered friend having such a great time. Splish, splash, splosh! I loved that he didn’t seem bothered by our close proximity.
Before I started practicing mindfulness, I was usually so wrapped up in my thoughts, I’d be completely unaware of these delightful sights and sounds.
Now, I have come to deeply appreciate the many benefits of being fully present with nature: it helps still my mind and brings me such joy.
So with that in mind, my happy for today is being mindful by listening to and watching the birds.
You’ve brought me back to mindfulness Ms Helen and am listening to the birds outside my window right now, thanks
That’s so wonderful to hear lovely Heidi… tweet tweet 🙂