Encountering the Majestic Blue Heron at Murphy Park

I was pleasantly surprised by the birds down at Murphy Park this morning. If there is one thing that I can speak confidently on, its that trying times and feelings in life can feel solace in nature.

I not only made eye contact with this beauty, also a bald eagle and a few others!

Spiritually, the Blue Heron symbolism and meaning calls you to reflect on stillness, patience and deep meditation. (source whatismyspiritanimal.com). There has been times I have been to this park and do not see any birds, other times multiple herons, or like today a beautiful mix. This was the message I needed to receive today. If there is one thing I love about listening to my urges and grabbing the camera and heading on a photo walk, is the vast possibilities, the openness of possibilities of encounters as I walked the path and the birds began opening up. It was like an on going communication that got louder the further I walked into the trail. Mere minutes from town, yet you feel like you are enveloped within nature, traffic nearby and yet almost undetectable when you allow yourself to completely immerse in the moment.

I do understand I need to be more patient with myself, also with my strong puppy – walking a dog after falling and having a concussion, brings fears to the forefront really quickly – this will be defeated as I am patient! Stillness… taking a step out of the everyday, the ringing and binging phones at various times of the day. Patient with my heart, the healing is deep and as much as Ive tried, its not instant, at all. Patient with my body and health, prioritizing my and my family’s mental health. Patient with my focus and planning – writing everything down and having digital has been a life saver, not just from hitting my head but for life and sadly grief. Patient with progress – in any way that may come, progress on weeding the garden, progress on the house, progress with dealing with paper work (nailed that last weekend!!!), progress in life.

As I stepped forward and scanned the water, locking focus on this bird, our eyes (and lens) locked, even as the bird flew away, I am grateful for the connection that happened today. As well as grateful for the reminder…

“In Greek myths, Heron is God’s messenger, so it was wrong to harm one in any way as it brought terrible luck. Stories of Athena speak of a Heron as one of Her messengers. Heron also represents honor and virtue. Throughout Greek Art, Heron plays a role in the on-going struggle between good and evil; the balance between these two concepts has a substantial influence on the symbolism and meaning of Heron spiritually.

In nature, Heron flies alone. The Bird is not fond of groups except during the mating season. As a result, Heron represents solitude and corresponds with The Hermit Card in the Tarot. Like The Hermit, Heron speaks of introspection, soul-searching, inner reflection, and meditation.

The Heron has ties to the Water Element that encourages us to flow with the energies around us. We do not need to struggle with nature but instead cooperate with it. There is no question the Heron is lovely and graceful. It’s hard not to be inspired by such a marvelous, stunning Bird.” (Source https://whatismyspiritanimal.com)