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Wetlands of the Soul
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature & The Red-Tailed Hawks
Nature & The Red-Tailed Hawks
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature & The Red-Tailed Hawks
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature and Squirrels
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Cherry Creek State Park
Life of Bald Eagle FSV44
Life of Bald Eagle FSV44
Life of Bald Eagle FSV44
Life of Bald Eagle FSV44
Life of Bald Eagle FSV44
Life Lessons from Nature: Wetlands of the Soul
Nature has always been a profound mirror of the human experience, reflecting the cycles of growth, decay, and renewal that define our lives. Each element of the natural world carries a lesson: mountains symbolize strength and endurance, rivers represent the flow of time and change, forests evoke mystery and the interconnectedness of all life.
Among these rich landscapes, wetlands stand unique—a convergence of water and earth, life and decay. They are a liminal space, where contradictions coexist and transformation begins.
The wetlands are a realm of duality, embodying the murky depths of the mind and the potential for profound rebirth. Their waters are dark, concealing both danger and life. The tangled reeds whisper secrets of resilience, their roots anchoring life even in the soggiest of grounds.
Every element of the wetland serves a purpose: the slow-moving water filters, cleanses, and nourishes; the thick vegetation offers both shelter and sustenance. Together, they create an ecosystem that thrives not despite its murkiness, but because of it.
In the wetlands, we find the perfect metaphor for the soul’s journey. Just as this habitat exists at the threshold of land and water, so too does our inner world dwell at the border of light and shadow, clarity and confusion. The wetlands remind us that transformation often arises not from pristine waters, but from the fertile depths of the swamp.
The wetlands are a mirror, reflecting the intricate depths of the mind. Their waters are dark and cloudy, hiding what lies beneath—a reminder of our own thoughts and fears that swirl in the shadows.
Like the wetlands, the mind can feel like an impenetrable, swampy labyrinth, cold and damp, filled with unseen phantoms. Here, ghosts of past failures and demons of self-doubt rise like mist, threatening to consume those who wander off the path.
Yet, there is light.
Above the wetlands, the Moon watches silently, casting a pale, gentle glow that dances on the rippling waters. Her light is subtle but enough to illuminate the path forward, as long as we choose to stay on it.
She offers no grand revelations, but just enough clarity to encourage each cautious step. The Moon whispers to the traveler: Trust. Trust the path, trust yourself. For while the wetlands are murky, they are not without purpose.
In the wetlands, the lotus blooms—a symbol of spiritual awakening. Though its roots sink deep into the muddy water, it rises above the surface, a picture of purity and rebirth.
The lotus reminds us that even when we feel mired in darkness, there is always potential for growth, for transcendence. It teaches us that transformation is not born of avoiding the swamp, but of moving through it.
To navigate the wetlands of the mind is to walk the path of self-discovery. There is no map, no shortcut. It is a journey that asks us to confront the shadows lingering in the reeds—to name them, to shine a light on them.
The act of seeing, of releasing fear, robs the shadows of their power. In their place, we plant seeds of resilience and understanding, which grow into the foundation of our rebirth.
The wetlands teach patience. Their still waters and winding streams remind us that change is not immediate but gradual, like the slow unfolding of day from night.
We learn to embrace the murkiness, knowing that clarity will come with time. Their depths reveal the wisdom of balance—how the water supports life, and the roots anchor it. Just as the wetlands nurture their ecosystem, so too must we nurture ourselves, finding balance within chaos.
The traveler who braves the wetlands emerges transformed. The Moon fades into dawn, her lessons etched in memory. The tangled reeds part to reveal open land. The journey leaves behind a soul unburdened by the weight of its demons, free to step into the light.
In the end, the wetlands remind us of a simple truth: what seems murky and impenetrable is, in fact, the birthplace of transformation. The swamp is not a place to escape; it is a sacred ground to traverse. And within its depths, the seeds of our spiritual rebirth lie waiting to bloom.
Life Lessons from Nature: Red-Tail Hawks vs Nature
Every year nesting season begins, and raptors embark on the journey of bringing new life into the world. Most Red-Tailed Hawks enjoy the stability of their habitat and chosen nesting spot and remain in this area, treasuring the comfort of home. Annually, they begin the “redecorating” process, diligently preparing their nest with care. There is order, structure, and familiarity to this routine.
Once their nest is complete, they begin their mating ritual to create new life. During mating season, the majestic Red-Tailed Hawk will put on quite a show. Up high in the sky, they fly together in slow, graceful, circular motion, sky dancing, and toe touching until their mating ceremony is complete.
Then the female returns to put the finishing touches on the nest until she lays her eggs. There is comfort, stability, and security to this process. However, like humans, animals are not immune to the laws of nature.
Trees die due to drought, disease, invasive species, and adverse environmental conditions. Humans play a significant role in creating these environmental impacts as well as the spread of invasive species with urban development, manufacturing, travel, trade, and transport activities.
As we continue to see drastic increases and decreases in rain, the ground becomes saturated causing rot in the dying or dead trees. This compounds the issue further, causing them to become frail and brittle.
It only takes a gust of wind to take down a brittle tree and then it causes a chain reaction and like dominos, 10-20 trees could fall from just this one. Not only is their habitat loss for the animals, but there is a lost future for the young raptors unable to survive.
With perseverance, loyalty, and dedication to family, the Red-Tailed Hawk rebuilds and begins anew. They understand the laws of nature and that nature needs to cleanse the environment to restore balance. They also know the cycles of life continue to spin in forward motion, that change is constant.
They recognize when one habitat is lost, nature transforms, and a new habitat is reborn from the process. During nesting season, they will find a new tree to rebuild their nest as they value the wisdom that nature provides. There is an unspoken balance.
Once the Red-Tailed hawk finds a new nesting location, together, they begin the rebuilding process. They are monogamous, staying devoted to their mate for life (except in death).
Both parents take part in incubation, the male feeds the female while she nests, and once born, the feeding continues for the new nestlings as they remain helpless for several months until they learn to fly alone. This bond illustrates cooperation as a family unit.
Red-Tailed Hawks trust the laws of nature and ebb and flow on the wings of change. They know together they will overcome the obstacles and challenges before them with strength, courage, resilience, determination, and commitment. They will start over and try once more to bring new life to the world.
It is profound and uplifting when you can witness the Red-Tailed Hawk experience the lessons they teach us firsthand. They know how the world works; they understand the laws of nature. Although they enjoy the stability of their chosen habitat and nesting location, they also recognize that change is part of life, it is inevitable.
They also symbolize our Root Chakra, our tribal power center which embodies loyalty, commitment, and life bonds. They are the epitome of the bonded family unit working together for the common good of the family. Everybody wins.
As occupants on this planet, we can do our part to restore the balance of nature. We need healthy trees for our survival, for clean air, clean water, and for their natural ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
As individuals, there are many steps we can take to help. We can plant more trees and allow new life to be born. We can use organic fertilizers, use less paper, and minimize the use of disposable wood materials. We can also be the voice for change and advocate for stronger environmental practices and protect and conserve trees in our area.
We only have this lifetime and this opportunity to help those who will be occupying this planet after we are gone. It’s time to be bold, take action and facilitate change.
Life Lessons from Nature: Nature and the Spiritual Journey
Nature holds a wealth of wisdom, offering us powerful metaphors for the challenges and triumphs of our spiritual journeys. The sun rising after a long night, a seed pushing through the soil toward the light, or the cycle of seasons—all of these symbols remind us that growth, transformation, and renewal are constants in life.
By exploring nature’s profound symbolism, we can uncover pathways to both inspiration and motivation, tools essential to our progress on the spiritual path.
Understanding the distinction between these two forces—inspiration and motivation—enables us to tap into the right energy for where we are in our journey. Nature's symbols offer a guide to understanding and balancing these energies in ways that nurture both the mind and soul.
Inspiration: The Spark of Desire
Inspiration is like a gentle breeze that stirs the leaves. It’s the spark that ignites our deepest desires, awakening creativity and a sense of purpose. Inspiration is spontaneous and emotional, sparking joy, excitement, and hope. It opens our eyes to new perspectives and calls us to explore ideas that fill us with wonder.
For example, the blooming of a flower represents inspiration in its purest form. A seed, buried in darkness, feels the call of the sunlight above. It grows not because it is forced to, but because it is drawn to the light, compelled by an unseen but deeply felt desire. Similarly, when inspiration strikes us, it feels effortless, as though we are being naturally pulled toward what resonates with our souls.
Inspiration connects to nature’s gentle yet persistent forces. The soft glimmer of a sunrise inspires optimism and fresh starts, while the expansive view from a mountaintop evokes awe and new possibilities. When we’re inspired, tasks that once seemed daunting suddenly feel worth the effort, as inspiration infuses them with meaning.
However, when inspiration is absent, we can feel lost—much like a forest shadowed by heavy clouds, unable to see the way forward. In these moments, stress, anxiety, and burnout creep in, depleting our energy and robbing us of creativity. This is where motivation must come in to restore balance.
Motivation: The Push Toward Action
Unlike inspiration, which draws us gently toward possibilities, motivation is the force that pushes us forward. It’s a driving energy that helps us persist in the face of challenges. Motivation can be sparked by a desire for personal fulfillment, the pursuit of rewards, or even the need to overcome fear.
In nature, the symbolism of motivation is found in the power of water. A river carves through rock not by inspiration but by persistence, its flow unstoppable as it forges a path toward the sea. Similarly, motivation is what keeps us moving when the path is steep and the rewards feel distant.
Motivation is essential when inspiration fades or wavers. For example, when the seedling faces obstacles—hardened soil or lack of sunlight—it is motivation that pushes it to keep growing, breaking through barriers to reach its goal. Without motivation, inspiration cannot be transformed into tangible progress.
When we lack motivation, tasks feel insurmountable, and the energy to act dwindles. It's the difference between gazing at a beautiful sunrise (inspiration) and making the decision to rise early every morning to experience it (motivation). Both are essential to progress, but their energies are distinct and complementary.
Nature Symbolism: Bridging Inspiration and Motivation
Nature teaches us that inspiration and motivation are deeply interconnected and that both are essential for growth. Inspiration is the call of the horizon, while motivation is the journey to reach it. Both energies can be nurtured through the symbols and lessons found in the natural world.
The Sun and Moon: The sun symbolizes inspiration—its light fills us with hope and warmth, sparking ideas and creativity. The moon, on the other hand, represents quiet motivation. Its subtle glow lights our way when the sun is absent, reminding us that even small steps forward are meaningful.
Seasons: The cyclical nature of seasons teaches us that inspiration and motivation ebb and flow naturally. Spring inspires new growth and ideas, while autumn motivates us to harvest the fruits of our labor, preparing for winter. Understanding these cycles helps us to embrace moments of inspiration and to persevere through times of quiet effort.
The Tree: A tree begins as a seed (inspiration) but grows tall and strong through persistence (motivation). Its roots push deep into the earth for stability, while its branches reach for the sky. This balance of foundation and aspiration mirrors our own need to root ourselves in motivation while being inspired to grow toward our goals.
The Butterfly: Perhaps one of nature’s most powerful symbols of transformation, the butterfly inspires with its beauty and lightness. But its journey requires immense motivation, as it endures the struggle of metamorphosis to emerge renewed. Its life cycle reminds us that the path to achieving our dreams often involves both inspired vision and determined effort.
Applying Nature’s Lessons to the Spiritual Journey
Inspiration and motivation are not fixed states—they flow like the currents of a river, feeding one another. Inspiration sparks a vision, while motivation gives it form. When we align with the symbols and cycles of nature, we find a balance that sustains us on our spiritual path.
If you find yourself lacking inspiration, step into the natural world. Watch the sunrise, observe the quiet determination of a stream, or marvel at the resilience of a tree. Nature reminds us that even the smallest steps lead to growth and that every season holds its purpose.
If motivation is what you lack, reflect on nature’s enduring forces—the river’s persistence, the butterfly’s transformation, the tree’s anchoring roots. Let these symbols inspire you to take the next step, no matter how small.
Through nature, we learn that the spiritual journey is not a straight line but a winding path. At times, inspiration will guide us with ease, while at others, motivation will be the force that keeps us moving forward. Together, these energies create harmony, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose.
Life Lessons from Nature: Harmony, Squirrels & Inner Child
Nature is a symphony of interconnected lives, each one contributing to a balance that sustains the world. Every creature has its role, and within these roles lie profound lessons if we choose to look closely.
Squirrels, often dismissed as mischievous raiders of bird feeders, are no exception. Their place in the tapestry of nature reflects resourcefulness, adaptability, and a playful energy that reminds us of our own Inner Child. Through their symbolism, we learn about coexistence—not just with them but with the natural world as a whole.
Squirrels, with their boundless energy and ceaseless curiosity, are emblematic of childhood innocence. Like children, they explore their world without hesitation, seeking food, shelter, and play in every corner of their environment.
To coexist peacefully with Squirrels is to recognize this spirit and approach them with understanding, patience, and respect. It is a microcosm of what it means to live in harmony with nature itself.
The Role of Squirrels in Nature's Ecosystem
Squirrels are more than playful acrobats; they are an integral part of the ecosystems they inhabit. In forests, they play a critical role in seed dispersal, inadvertently planting trees as they bury nuts they forget to retrieve. In urban settings, however, their role shifts. The natural resources they once depended on grow scarcer, forcing Squirrels to adapt to human landscapes.
Their behavior may seem destructive—flipping bird feeders, chewing through garden fences—but it is a reflection of survival in a world where development, climate change, and pollution have drastically altered their natural habitats.
City Squirrels, like all urban wildlife, rely on humans for sustenance, scavenging from gardens, garbage, and feeders. Observing this transformation reveals a stark truth: as we continue to encroach on nature, the creatures who once thrived in wild spaces are increasingly becoming part of our human world.
If we view Squirrels not as pests but as participants in a shared ecosystem, their actions take on a new meaning. Just as we must guide children to respect boundaries, we can create solutions that allow Squirrels, birds, and people to coexist. Nature thrives on balance, and finding harmony begins with understanding.
Lessons from the Squirrel’s Playfulness
Squirrels teach us to reconnect with our inner child—that curious, playful part of ourselves that finds joy in small, simple moments.
Their behavior mirrors the exuberance of children, who, like Squirrels, act impulsively and test boundaries. To engage with Squirrels is to engage with this playful energy, recognizing that beneath the surface chaos lies a profound innocence and vitality.
When Squirrels steal food from bird feeders or dig up flowerbeds, they’re not behaving out of malice but necessity. These moments invite us to practice patience and creativity.
If feeding Squirrels three times a day isn’t practical, whether for financial reasons, time constraints, or both—other strategies can help foster peaceful coexistence. Providing alternate feeding spaces for Squirrels, using Squirrel-resistant bird feeders, or planting nut- or seed-producing plants can redirect their energy without conflict.
These approaches echo lessons in teaching children: guide without harshness, redirect energy toward constructive outlets, and nurture joy while setting boundaries. In both cases, the goal is harmony—a space where curiosity and play coexist with respect and understanding.
City Wildlife and the Call for Coexistence
Squirrels’ reliance on human spaces highlights a broader issue: the dwindling resources available for wildlife in urban settings. As open spaces, wetlands, and forests shrink, city-dwelling animals adapt to survive.
Birds become dependent on feeders, Squirrels raid gardens, and rabbits forage wherever greenery persists. These behaviors aren’t a nuisance—they’re a necessity born from the loss of their natural homes.
To coexist peacefully with urban wildlife is to take responsibility for our role in reshaping their world. By creating environments that support balance—spaces where Squirrels and birds can feed without conflict, where gardens can thrive without destruction—we honor the interconnectedness of all life. It’s an act of stewardship that extends beyond the boundaries of our homes and into the fabric of nature itself.
The Symbolism of Coexistence
Nature thrives on harmony, and Squirrels, with their vibrant energy, reflect the need for balance. Their connection to the inner child reminds us to approach life with curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to adapt. Coexisting with Squirrels is about more than bird feeders and gardens—it’s about recognizing our shared place in the ecosystem and creating space for all beings to thrive.
As humans, we have the power to nurture or diminish the world around us. Choosing to coexist with Squirrels, birds, and other urban wildlife is a choice to embrace balance, to honor the lessons nature offers and to find joy in the simple act of sharing our spaces. In their antics, Squirrels remind us that life is playful, resilient, and deeply interconnected.
By working with their energy, we also rediscover our own inner child. The patience and kindness we extend to Squirrels—and to nature at large—become a reflection of the patience and kindness we nurture within ourselves. In this way, living in harmony with Squirrels becomes a metaphor for living in harmony with life itself.
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Life Lessons from Nature: Cherry Creek State Park Flood 2023
Wetlands are not only critical to our ecosystem, but they support high levels of biodiversity. Science has estimated that 40% of all species on earth live, breed or nest in wetlands. There has been significant loss to our wetlands due in part to climate change, pollution, and human encroachment.
Nature has a way to reset and balance the scales. Her powerful thunder roars and rain comes pouring down, saturating the ground, lakes, and streams, eventually flooding dry land. New wetlands are created and new habitats form. The winner of course are the animals who now have more space to live and enjoy their home.
What is the message to us as humans, do we continue to fight nature and try to control the outcome? If we continue to view disastrous weather as a nature problem, we will never find a resolution. We need to pause and reflect, so we can see that these powerful weather patterns are of our own making.
We are living through the choices of previous generations as well as the choices we have made during our lifetime. We all have a choice to make today. We can continue to fight for control and destroy what nature is naturally trying to do to restore balance. Or we can become conscious of the fact that we need more wetlands, natural areas, and habitats for animals. These precious resources are critical to our ecosystem and our survival.
We can do our part as individuals to help conserve our natural resources through sustainable development practices. We only have this lifetime and this opportunity to help those who will be occupying this planet after we are gone. As humans we are designed to use the power of our minds to create and solve problems. We are ingenious in this way.
When we come together, we can find creative solutions that allow our human population to live and grow while nurturing nature as well as all plant and animal species. We can support wetland restoration and well as use sustainable erosion control practices. We can work together so our wetlands and natural resources grow and flourish. We are here to peacefully coexist with each other, with nature, and with our animal friends. Working together as one.
It is a humbling experience to bear witness to the destruction nature can cause. In May 2023, we had the torrential rain and floods, and the Cherry Creek Reservoir rose 10’. The devastation to the area I was frequenting was heartbreaking. I was so concerned about the animals and how they would survive this. At that time, I was looking at this through the eyes of loss instead of through the eyes of rebirth.
As the weeks went on, I continued to visit this area as this was the only place I could physically get to at the time. What began to emerge before my eyes was astonishing. New habitats, and new wetlands were being established resulting from the excess water. New birds, fish, and insects started to emerge that I hadn’t seen here before. Nature was transforming.
As the months went by the water began to recede and even larger wetland areas emerged. More animals started to come and make this their home. Nature was reborn. There are still a few of these areas at Cherry Creek State Park from the rain which has created an abundance of animals who thrive in this environment. Nature restored balance.
Nature has many lessons to teach us. In the physical sense, nature’s powerful destruction is a message to us as humans that we cannot continue our current path. Not if we want our beautiful planet Earth to sustain life for generations to come. As individuals, we each have the power of choice, and we can do our part to help the planet.
We can conserve water, reduce pollution, use organic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. We can recycle our plastics, bottles and cardboard and even compost trash. We can also be the voice for change and advocate for stronger environmental practices and protect and conserve wetlands in our area. In Colorado, wetlands support up to 80% of all wildlife species at some time during their life. We can do our part to help wetlands thrive.
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