Nature: Get Out and Ground Yourself Today

​Have you stepped outside into nature today?  Have you even stepped outside of your brain and the swirl of thoughts rushing through it?  These thoughts keep us in a stressed, overwhelmed state of being.  Nature grounds us, bringing us back into the present moment like nothing else. And even if you live in a condo, apartment, or otherwise feel you’re surrounded by concrete, you’ve likely got a neighborhood park just a short hop away.  In fact, recently I was in Taipei, Taiwan on business and was delighted to discover,  thanks to new friends, a beautiful park full of tropical birds just awaiting our visit.  And this past week, content to be in my own backyard, there was so much going on that pulled me out of the stresses of work and into a more serene, peaceful state: 

• The Orchard Oriole has been frequently visiting the hummingbird feeder, confusing all of the hummingbirds swirling in and around it for landing.
• The beautiful orange female Allen’s Hummingbirds have arrived during their annual migration south, taking over the backyard. They continue to try to keep all of their fellow hummingbirds away.
• Stepping out at 9 pm to water some backyard plants, I was delighted for over 10 minutes with a visit from a hummingbird hawk moth who was eagerly sipping nectar from our blue plumbago.
• A confused little recently-fledged Chickadee has been following the hummingbirds around the yard, in what seemed to be her attempt to figure out her place in the world. Meanwhile, one of the Allen’s hummingbirds decided to treat the little Chickadee as one of their own - is this an "initiation"? - and began harassing her, too.

​With all of this entertainment, who needs TV? ;-) 

Remember to take the time to get out and experience what’s happening in your own proverbial backyard. And, if all else fails, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and enjoy a moment of peace to prepare for the coming week …..

An Orchard Oriole helps itself to the Hummingbird feeder

Chickadee fledgling finds her way in the brave new world

The look of one of the Allen's Hummingbirds as if daring its competition