Magical Moment
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
I woke up to a dusting of snow covering the muddy fields. It was just enough to make the property look fresh and clean. The change of scenery was just what I needed to distract me from the stressful thoughts that had been plaguing me since the previous afternoon. I suited up in my coveralls and boots and headed out to feed the animals and clean the barn. I walked up the hill to the hay trailer to grab a bale for the horses’ breakfast and was struck by the simple beauty of snow clinging to the bramble and brush of the uncleared portion of the upper lot. As I stood and stared, I noticed movement on a branch. It was a plump little sparrow. I pulled the hay bale out of the trailer and sat down to enjoy my peaceful surroundings. As I gazed at the little bird, more of them appeared. It seemed like the sparrows were showing themselves to me. Soon the branches closest to me were full of chubby feathered friends. I stayed still and witnessed the appearances of juncos, chickadees, titmice, and downy woodpeckers. For a magical few minutes I wasn’t an overwhelmed mother, but a wood nymph or Snow White communing with the birds around her.
That magical moment was enough to set the tone for the rest of my day. Any lingering negative thoughts were replaced by a feeling of calm. All day long my mind was brought back to the black and white image of fluffy snow clinging to dark wet branches. I couldn’t help but think that this snowfall on the last day of the month was wiping the slate clean for February.
By the end of the day, the snow had melted and more mud was made, but how I felt remained. I have been carrying that feeling with me for days now so I figured it was something worth wondering about. That singular moment of sitting in perfect snowy silence without any worrisome thoughts or replays of conversations gave me more clarity than any drawn-out rumination might. My first realization was that maybe my plans to clear that remaining acre might have to be put on hold.
There it was in black and white that this “useless” plot served a higher purpose than grazing land for my livestock. It is a habitat for wildlife, a place where they can hide and feel safe amongst the thick brambles and numerous dead ash trees. The small songbirds forage on the berries and seed heads in the brush while the woodpeckers find insects in the decaying wood. Let’s not forget the squirrels, cottontails, and deer who also find security beyond the stonewall. However, all practicality aside, that little patch of wilderness offers so much more. It provides an opportunity to see beyond the tangled wild mess and spot the hidden details that go unnoticed during the rush of daily life.
I am certain that the snow slowed me down long enough to pause and notice the small movement of the sparrow’s modest brown, buff, and black feathered body. Then to see a multitude of them fly from the interior of the plot to the edge near the stone wall was mesmerizing. It left me wondering if it was just good timing or something to do with me. Possibly it was both. Perhaps I was in the right place at the right time to experience a moment that I so desperately needed. Not being one to pass up a sign, I am now thinking about what I know the humble sparrow to symbolize.
American Tree Sparrow perched on snowy branch with snow falling by Dawn Key
I have learned over the years that the widely dispersed sparrow holds different meanings depending on continent and culture but for me, the sparrow represents self-respect, vitality, and receiving love. Part of having self-respect is being able to listen to your inner voice because it guides you and often provides you with the wisdom to make decisions. When we trust ourselves enough to listen to our innate wisdom then we can live a life of purpose and passion. The humble little bird symbolizes vitality because it encourages us to find beauty in the little things and is a good reminder to find meaning in everyday moments. Just think about it. If you can find beauty and meaning in the simplest of things, then you can find contentment no matter the circumstances. Lastly, sparrows symbolize friendship because they tend to stick together and share in collective behavior. I can’t think of a better way to receive love than to have a wonderful and caring flock of friends.
My mind was much like my unmanaged piece of land - crowded, disordered, and lacking any clear path. However, taking the time to focus on one small thought allowed me to make sense of the mess that was made. I won’t go into the motherly problem that upset my mind, but I can tell you that trusting my instincts, talking to a few close caring friends, and seeing the silver lining did wonders to ease it. I have a quiet magical moment and the presence of a sparrow to thank for helping me to move beyond feeling anxious and defensive about the situation to a place of contentment and peace.
As always, thank you for wondering along with me. I hope this post gave you something to wonder about and encourages you to pause so you may experience your magical moment.
