I was fortunate enough to have spent the afternoon with a Great Blue Heron yesterday. I was walking along a path in a nature preserve and I saw her down by the half frozen pond– standing on one leg and holding ever so still with great patience for the longest time. The kind of Patience I wish I had!
It was obvious that she was determined to get what she wanted. A tasty meal – no doubt. Her attention and focus was quite striking – standing steadfast for the better part of an hour. No movement was evident. Starring at the water just beneath the opening in the ice. Waiting. Waiting. Determined, for sure. So patient.
Eventually her patience paid off. She quickly stuck her long beak into the water and had herself a fish! Her curved neck suddenly straightening to allow the fish to slowly work it’s way down her long slender throat.
Then she stood in a relaxed pose for the next hour. She looked to be simply basking in the sun – at times spreading her wings and holding them open to the sun – seemingly enjoying the warmth of this winter day as much as I was.
She allowed me to get remarkably close to her, and so I sat in the sand nearby – taking pictures of her in her beauty. One of my spiritual teachers told me a long time ago that when an animal shows up in our lives, we should pay attention to what it’s here to teach us, so I began to ponder this.
Patience, for sure. Intention. Stillness, Calm alertness. All qualities that I find myself in need of.
This year has been a rough one for me. There have been many things that I wished were over and done with, and yet they persisted. I have noticed that when I put a lot of attention into wanting things to be over, that I am not very present to what is. And this lack of acceptance to what is, creates an anxiety in me that can pervade any sense of well being. It’s not that I have to like what’s happening, but rather accepting that, after all, here it is, so I might as well be present to it – and to myself going through it – with as much compassion as possible. Eckhart Tolle says “How do you know that what is happening is suppose to be happening? Because it is happening.” His advice then, is to be present to it – without resisting. When we accept what is, there can be a calm and a stillness in the midst of the storm. As my teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, is fond of saying….”May the boat of loving kindness carry you over the ocean of suffering.” And so patience, stillness, calm and an intention to be present to myself with loving kindness, in the midst of the challenges have been my lessons this year.
All of these qualities are presented to me by my friend the heron, today.
In Gratitude for the Great Blue Heron and her lessons.
In Gratitude for Life.
Blessings to you all on this day.
And may whatever lessons show up be gentle ones. And may the boat of loving kindness carry you over the ocean of your suffering.
This year, I was particularly aware of the energy of “rushing” associated with moving into a new year. Fortunately, I am in a place where I can go slow, in northern Wisconsin, a summer home for Great Blue Herons. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on stopping and patience. Just reading it helped me to feel it, too. Thank you.
Thanks for your response, Beth. Nature is such a beautiful teacher, is it not?
Unfortunately patience is a virtue most can not wait to have….
That’s too true!😍
Love your description of her sticking her long beak into the water – I had that metaphorical image of “sticking ones neck out!” And, might I say, Val, that the times you have “stuck your neck out” have been exemplary moments of advocacy for wonderful things that needed a strong voice. Thank you for that in the 20 years I’ve known you!
Thanks for your kind words, Joan! You’e the best cheerleader for folks!!!
I love your spiritual nature and your writings are beautiful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and words with the world.
Thanks, Sweetie!
Beautiful! I love your lesson of the Blue Heron. And the photograph is lovely! I can picture right were you are. I’m breathing with you.
Have you been to the Carson Nature Preserve? It’s so cool down there, with so many walking and biking trails!
What I appreciate regards the arena of ‘suffering’ is realizing and identifying when I’ve been the ego cause of the situation, thus BEing able to unravel the discomfort in a relatively timely fashion without adding additional layers of pain & suffering,,,
I would also add: besides “when an animal enteries your life etc” for me it’s every person and event I experience holds an invitaion for me to explore my ‘God of Surprises’ and personal growth,,
Hi, Beth
I like your add on of doing with whoever and whatever shows up in our live. And catching that tricky ‘ol ego before it creates more problems!
I love this Val! For many years I had frequent observations of a blue heron that was very often in the pond and marsh at the barn where I kept my horse. The heron, along with the beauty of nature there, was a great anxiety reliever for me! Your blog took me back there..Thanks! Love, Linda
Thanks, Linda. Yes, we are so fortunate to be able to hang with other beings – horses included!
Hi sweet friend,
I LOVE great blue herons. Did yours spear the fish, then toss it in the air to swallow? I saw that with a heron outside of DC a couple years ago. Love you, love your blog. xoxo.
Thanks, Nancy. I’m having fun writing and putting it “out there”!
Yes, “my” blue heron did a little toss as it started to move it down it’s throat. They’re such amazing birds! I also ad an interesting experience last year with a night heron at the park near our house where it would come daily.
Beautiful reflection, thanks Val. I look forward to more of your your musings. Blessings and love, Sue
Thanks, Sue!🌹
Yes! Let’s dream on! We need to balance out the challenges!