That Magic Moment!

That moment in time when a chickadee lands on your hand for some seed in total trust. It’s unforgettable and reaches to your core. The chickadee is a combination of fragility and strength and knowing that the bird is there by choice, there’s no forcing these moments, leaves one with a sense of awe and wonder in the universe. Their feet on your hand, is the gentlest of touch as they land, as they’re forever alert to danger, as they pause for a moment to take some food. For us, it’s a different core need, that sense of belonging with and not against nature, and the privilege of earning a chickadee’s trust for that magical moment. These are those times when I feel a connection from my soul, when time seems to stop and I’m in awe of the wonders of the natural world. It’s a feeling of being in sync with the universe and once experienced, becomes part of my lifelong journey to find that feeling again and again. It’s given me a lifelong fascination with the outdoors, that became part of my professional life, spending 19 years in outdoor education, trying to help students, teachers and parent volunteers feel that same sense of wonder. It’s also representative of my inner journey, and finding those moments where I feel connected to the energetic flow of the universe. it’s part of what led me to Soul Coaching® and a desire to hear the clear, uncluttered voice of my soul.

I cherish these experiences, that upon reflection, encompass both my personal and professional journey.

What are those moments in your life that leave you in awe?

For a great children’s book, check out Frank Glew’s That Chickadee Feeling. Frank was extremely generous with his time as I began exploring Environmental Education as a young teacher, and then much later in my career, when we were part of a team that brought a copy of this book to every elementary school in the Toronto District School Board.