When nature wants to give us a message sometimes it has to be very bold and make a huge statement to get our attention. This is because as humans we are so caught up in trivia that we most often miss the quiet callings and beauty in the sublime.

I walked out on my porch to feed my flowerpots, as I do every summer morning, and there, lying on its side next to all the blooms was the most beautiful tiny humming bird. It had wings the colour of a rainbow and a tiny body with delicately proportioned features. I had never been so close to something so exquisite as this. The beautiful creature had passed away so I buried it in the flowerpot that it had so often frequented. I then went about my chores but all the while wondering if nature was communicating something to me?

The next day I put up a humming bird feeder in the tree and to my amazement I attracted some dozen humming birds; even one with a red throat!

Humming birds are very loud. While tiny, they make an entrance and know how to command a stage. They can fly forward and backwards adapting to any setting as they go about living “in the flow” of life. They do not allow others to bully them and fearlessly defend their turf. They love bright colours, aromas and sweet nectar. They have an energy and vitality that inspires joy.

I learned that humming birds have great significance in many different cultures. They are symbols of peace, friendship, love and joy. In the Andes in South America the humming bird is considered a symbol of awakening and of resurrection. I was surprised to learn that their fluttering wings move in a pattern of the infinity symbol further solidifying their symbolism of eternity and continuity.

I discovered that the appearance of the humming bird for me was a wake up call and sign to get moving and be persistent in pursuit of my dreams. Success is achieved by enjoying the beauty and magic in every day, as it is through the feeling of joy in our heart that we are able to manifest the most value and meaning in our lives.

If you encounter a humming bird in your life ask yourself these questions:

1. Have I been focused on all that is beautiful and good in my life?
2. Am I experiencing life through all my senses, noticing colour and aromas?
3. Do I need to change direction to be more in flow?
4. Am I surrounding myself with people who are joyful and who value me for who I am?
5. Am I focused on what brings me joy and happiness?

Thank you humming bird for your wisdom and for the joy you bring. I hear your message and heed your advice. Now I must mix up some more nectar because you guys are so thirsty!