Kingfisher

As I walked along the narrow path beside a stream that I know well, I saw my first flash of turquoise this Spring.  And then another.  This felt particularly special and brought me such joy as, for the past 3 years, I hadn’t seen a glimpse of the kingfisher darting along and diving into the water.I was reminded of the phrase “expect the unexpected”; it was a surprise gift.  Each time I walk along this particular path I wonder if I am going to be blessed by its presence.  There are plenty of birds that I like to pause and spend time with and the kingfisher is one of those elusive ones that appears when I need a reminder to breathe a breath of fresh air. 

“I hope you are able to see something beautiful over the coming week that takes your breath away and reminds you of the beauty of being surprised by nature.”  

Rachel Podger

It reminds me to be mindful and to take my time when I walk by the water and also to observe from above, taking in spaciousness and remembering the bigger picture.  On this note, I have observed the kingfisher prefers to sit high so that it can see clearly any movement beneath the water; it takes its time and I imagine it doesn’t waste time worrying about what it didn’t achieve which allows it to let go and move on. The what ifs and the shoulds are both thought processes that are unhelpful and take us away from the enjoyment of the present moment.  They also stop us taking in life and its richness.  I hope you are able to see something beautiful over the coming week that takes your breath away and reminds you of the beauty of being surprised by nature.  The swallows will be with us soon…