The Hummingbird
I rescued a baby hummingbird in 2007, who had landed in front of our home, too hungry or young to move, with guidance from a wild bird specialist in Savannah, I nursed it back to health. When he first saw me his forthright expression said “Who the heck are you?” – asking “Are you trustworthy?”…I sang to him to gain trust and coaxed him to the sugary water. Over several days, he let me lift his delicate body to bring him to the food, and his eyes – so big, vulnerable, yet full of such courage, said to me “I am facing this challenge! I can do it” – and he drank the sugary water from my finger tip. He came to look on me with great trust, and I felt it great joy – what an honor to be able to help him! His spunk and conviction was admirable.
On the last day, stronger, he began to fly and by the next morning, he was gone. I had a dream that night – he fluttered outside my window to say goodbye, and I remember feeling great joy to have known this hummingbird friend. What an honor it is to interact with such a gentle and brave soul. Hummingbird continues to signal to me the support of the universe, to have faith and hope.
When I was at the Monroe Institute with my husband later that summer, one of the Gateway participants had brought the Ted Andrew’s book and cards and I got hummingbird as my totem – it fit. I want to remember my own hummingbird spirit always. As I write this note, I remember the message sent from the Nature Conservatory (just received that week) – a request to help save the habitat of the hummingbird. Another omen of this connection and an affirmation that the hummingbird’s message is important!
The Hummingbird dances gently through the world, and spreads a message of love and beauty, teaching us to appreciate the wonder and magic of each moment. Hummingbird brings the gift of joy. Being flexible like this sweet being, we are able to see our challenges from new perspectives. We learn to laugh, to be gentle yet strong, and to feel pure joy.
In Animal Speak, Ted Andrews says that hummingbirds can teach us the healing power of flower essences, inspiring us to protect the environment and preserve old traditions and also that “the twittering, vibrating sounds of the hummingbirds bring us an internal massage that restores health and balance.” I feel the energetic vibrations of this small sweet bird helps us to open our hearts – it’s a reminder that great power and healing comes from many small steps, and the clarity of pure intention.
I’ve had many animal totem protectors who brought messages – my own cats and dogs, of course, and also I’ve learned from dreams and heard wisdom in direct interactions from bee, black panther, butterfly, elk, bear, eagle, snake, many birds, dragonflies, squirrels, White Dragon spirit, and more recently, the steady and strong Siberian Tiger who entered my heart & Soul. But hummingbird spirit is always near, reminding me – be gentle, listen, and all beauty will be known to you.