It’s 6:30am. I’m sitting at my desk. Outside my windows, some birds are chattering.
It’s a sound we don’t pay much attention to, what with traffic noises, television and the normal sounds of a household coming to consciousness. And then the day starts and…
We’re just so busy, aren’t we?
Running from this chore to the other, this obligation to another, working or working out, packing for a trip, unpacking….blah-blah-blah.
Then there’s our 10-hour work days if we’re still on the job and our bemoaning of how busy we are.
Oh, I know. I was there once. For a long time.
But this morning, while the birds chirruped in the dawn, I realized how little time I take to just relax and listen.
A book, a notebook, a tour guide, a wooden spoon, a bag of dogfood, a calendar–there’s always something in my hand and on my mind.
But spring’s here and summer’s around the bend. The year’s passing. Will it be in a blur of activity or a mindful manner?
My pledge for these next few months is to spend more time relaxing and listening to the birds.
Living more mindfully in the moment.
A long time ago I was justifying my move back to Florida from Silicon Valley.
“When I was there I could hear birds singing,” I said, teary-eyed, to my therapist.
But here I am in Silicon Valley again and yes, the birds sing here, too.
Carol it’s so funny but as I was rushing through my morning, quickly going through my emails before the rush of getting the kids out the door, your post was in my inbox and I read the title at the same time I heard some birds. Thank you for reminding me to take a beat. You are right, my hands are also always full of something. It’s nice to just listen!
That is the very reason I prefer to live in the country. We have bird feeders and bird baths and get the wonderful opportunity to sit and watch the interaction between all the different types of birds. Small, quick hummingbirds, beautiful songbirds, loud and boisterous crows and blue jays, they all visit along with doves and common wrens and sparrows. It is a joy to interact and be able to witness nature in your everyday life.
Thank you for the reminder. I’m sitting here at my desk wondering why reading email is stressing me out. I need to go get a cup of tea and calm down. Thanks for sharing!!
I love listening to the birds. I don’t even mind that they wake me up before dawn. I really love listening to them at dusk as their chirps get sleepier and sleepier.
I do try to sit quietly each morning for 5-10 minutes before I’m off and running. I think for me part of the problem is that I’m such a morning person, my energy is going at top speed when I first wake up!
I’m a morning person, too, but I like the peace and quiet of the predawn hours. Always have. When the birds wake up and start their morning song, it’s a sign that the world will soon also be awake!
I have two of the ugliest bushes at the end of my walkway. They formed a creepy arch and I have to go under them at 5 a.m. when I leave for work. I want to rip them out so bad but at last count there were 17 nests. There are so many birds and they chirp so loud I can’t help but feel like I am miles away in the country.
I love this time of year and it does by by so fast . Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the moments.
I love my mornings because I begin every one with the simple task of feeding the birds and refilling the birdbath. The birds, squirrels and chipmunk reward me with their antics. Sometimes they’re so anxious to eat that they run out on little legs right in front of me. They make me laugh. And that’s the best way to start my day. Of course, the Mama robin nesting in the wreath next to my front door has me using the back door for the next few weeks!
I’m so glad the birds of Florida greeted you this morning, Carol. With our snow yesterday, ours are quiet in Denver. But, they will be singing again, soon. I love your posts. They always remind me to slow down and appreciate the beautiful things and people who cross my path and encourage me to take new journeys. Thanks for the encouragement.
Actually, the birds of California greeted me, because we’re back in Calif. 😉 But when I was justifying my move, that wasy why. Thank you so much, Jennifer, for the compliment. I hope you’re feeling better now.
Carol, you read my mind with this post. It’s so true about taking time to stop and breathe. I spent 30 years in an intense job and raising kids and I think it is going to take another 30 to unwind. Thanks for sharing so early in the morning.
There seems to be value placed on being busy, just for the sake of being busy. This leads to feeling guilty about relaxing and enjoying the moment. Something I need to do more of. Thanks for the reminder!
Wonderful reminder, Carol! When we first moved here, the birds were a riot of sound in the neighbours trees. Then the crows moved in and, for years, we’ve had only silence back there. But this year, I can hear the birds again. Oh, not as many as we heard all those years ago. But a few. And that’s encouraging. And soo restful!
Behind my house is woods and on the other side of the woods is the elementary school my kids went to. Although I admit that I don’t listen to the birds often enough, I also have to say that I get such joy from going out onto my back deck and listening to recess.
Birdsong is the most relaxing thing. Reminds me that while I’m running all over town they’re at my house living a sane life. I love hearing them in my yard.
This is the one thing about 12 hour shifts that I really don’t like. It is truly difficult to carve out that quiet morning time when those extra few minutes of sleep mean so much. But I always do feel much better when I do it even if it does mean getting up at 4:30am.
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Carol it’s so funny but as I was rushing through my morning, quickly going through my emails before the rush of getting the kids out the door, your post was in my inbox and I read the title at the same time I heard some birds. Thank you for reminding me to take a beat. You are right, my hands are also always full of something. It’s nice to just listen!
“Mindfulness” is sometimes overused today, but the concept is so important to living well!
That is the very reason I prefer to live in the country. We have bird feeders and bird baths and get the wonderful opportunity to sit and watch the interaction between all the different types of birds. Small, quick hummingbirds, beautiful songbirds, loud and boisterous crows and blue jays, they all visit along with doves and common wrens and sparrows. It is a joy to interact and be able to witness nature in your everyday life.
It really is. I’m surprised every day by the number of birds I see in my city–hummingbirds, woodpeckers, jays and more.
Thank you for the reminder. I’m sitting here at my desk wondering why reading email is stressing me out. I need to go get a cup of tea and calm down. Thanks for sharing!!
Tea sounds good to me, too, right now!
Birdsong fills my soul this time of year. Not so much when they are squawking at me when I’m in the garden.. but yes, slow down and listen. xo
We’re just too busy, you know?
I love listening to the birds. I don’t even mind that they wake me up before dawn. I really love listening to them at dusk as their chirps get sleepier and sleepier.
I haven’t noticed that but am going to make a point of listening tonight!
I do try to sit quietly each morning for 5-10 minutes before I’m off and running. I think for me part of the problem is that I’m such a morning person, my energy is going at top speed when I first wake up!
I’m a morning person, too, but I like the peace and quiet of the predawn hours. Always have. When the birds wake up and start their morning song, it’s a sign that the world will soon also be awake!
I have two of the ugliest bushes at the end of my walkway. They formed a creepy arch and I have to go under them at 5 a.m. when I leave for work. I want to rip them out so bad but at last count there were 17 nests. There are so many birds and they chirp so loud I can’t help but feel like I am miles away in the country.
I love this time of year and it does by by so fast . Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the moments.
We have them in our bougainvillea!
Your blog made me stop and “smell the roses”! Thank you for reminding me to slow down and enjoy more!
It’s nice to take a break more often!
I love my mornings because I begin every one with the simple task of feeding the birds and refilling the birdbath. The birds, squirrels and chipmunk reward me with their antics. Sometimes they’re so anxious to eat that they run out on little legs right in front of me. They make me laugh. And that’s the best way to start my day. Of course, the Mama robin nesting in the wreath next to my front door has me using the back door for the next few weeks!
What a lovely morning ritual, Darlene!
I’m so glad the birds of Florida greeted you this morning, Carol. With our snow yesterday, ours are quiet in Denver. But, they will be singing again, soon. I love your posts. They always remind me to slow down and appreciate the beautiful things and people who cross my path and encourage me to take new journeys. Thanks for the encouragement.
Actually, the birds of California greeted me, because we’re back in Calif. 😉 But when I was justifying my move, that wasy why. Thank you so much, Jennifer, for the compliment. I hope you’re feeling better now.
Carol, you read my mind with this post. It’s so true about taking time to stop and breathe. I spent 30 years in an intense job and raising kids and I think it is going to take another 30 to unwind. Thanks for sharing so early in the morning.
We’re taught to be busy, but not how to relax.
There seems to be value placed on being busy, just for the sake of being busy. This leads to feeling guilty about relaxing and enjoying the moment. Something I need to do more of. Thanks for the reminder!
Wonderful reminder, Carol! When we first moved here, the birds were a riot of sound in the neighbours trees. Then the crows moved in and, for years, we’ve had only silence back there. But this year, I can hear the birds again. Oh, not as many as we heard all those years ago. But a few. And that’s encouraging. And soo restful!
Behind my house is woods and on the other side of the woods is the elementary school my kids went to. Although I admit that I don’t listen to the birds often enough, I also have to say that I get such joy from going out onto my back deck and listening to recess.
Birdsong is the most relaxing thing. Reminds me that while I’m running all over town they’re at my house living a sane life. I love hearing them in my yard.
This is the one thing about 12 hour shifts that I really don’t like. It is truly difficult to carve out that quiet morning time when those extra few minutes of sleep mean so much. But I always do feel much better when I do it even if it does mean getting up at 4:30am.