Hummingbird Shaman

How many things are in our world that we never notice? How many times are we seen even though we think we are invisible, or hidden, or simply quiet and still?

This is a big world, and we grow into our human perspective, seeing the vastness of our world even though we can never really have a clear perspective of how big it really is. Sometimes we are in our own “world”, and feel on top of it all. Sometimes we see ourselves as only one of many, a speck in the universe, and wonder about our value, and how much or how little we make in our contribution.

When we look at something as small as the hummingbird it may appear that they are even smaller and more insignificant than we are even in our lowest times. The key is our perspective.

As I began my walk today I looked up at a small tree at the entrance of the walking trail. There he was, resting on the highest branch in the same place I had seen him a few days ago. I had to focus to see him, the small figure could have been a dried leaf or the remains of a broken branch.

This hummingbird sat there, observing his world. The key to a keen perspective is to position yourself in a way that gives you clear vision, yet still be a part of the action. He watched without concern, and was still on his perch on my return an hour later, though he likely made numerous trips to the feeders during my absence.

The key to a keen perspective is to recognize our own value, and center ourselves within our own world. We may be small in terms of the universe, but we are very significant to those around us, and are of great importance to the one person who depends on us the most. One guess who that person might be.

Author Estee Taschereau, Hummingbird Shaman, offers techniques and tools for finding clarity in ourselves and recognizing our own abilities. These tools can be found in her new book, Being Here Now, available in paperback and ebook formats.

Every time I travel I always think about the hummingbirds, planning out the days and filling the feeders as needed. This time the hummingbirds outdid me in only a few days time. I could not help but notice as I opened the blinds this morning that every drop of nectar in the three front window feeders was gone.

The good news was that I already had water heating for my morning PXP drink, something I do to give myself the best inner environment for both my writing and my counseling and life optimizing sessions I provide for others. I was happy to share my heated water, and my first task was to mix a new batch of sugar water for my winged friends. (Never add food coloring, it is harmful and unnecessary for both hummingbird and people alike.) As soon as the nectar was cool enough I brought inside the empty feeders, and remember thinking I had yet to see a hummingbird that morning. I hoped that I had not annihilated them through the earlier emptiness of the feeders.

I could not tell you how long it was before I looked outside again, my mind was so occupied with an overwhelming series of thoughts. This prior weekend had been spent examining how I would bring my voice and the messages such as this to more people. When I returned home I could not help but face the what stood in my way. I had uncovered one of my internal invisible walls, and allowed myself to feel alone in the middle of the moment.

It could have been a minute or maybe an hour, I guess it doesn’t matter. I walked by the window and noticed that the feeder was not currently in use. I wondered if the hummingbirds knew there was fresh nectar, even though I know they connect with me in ways that go far beyond a bottle of sugar water. Still in that moment I wanted so much a confirmation, a little feedback to tell me “everything is okay”.

As I looked beyond the feeders I saw a tiny figure on the cherry tree. The message came quickly and clearly. We do have consciousness and self awareness, and it is important that we turn within and look at ourselves. It is equally of value to question our thoughts and our actions, even test our ideas by sharing them with the world and seeing what comes back. When we turn within we don’t see the world, not at that moment, and for the moment we really are alone, but the world never goes away from us.

The hummingbird sitting in the tree was my sign that my old world did not go away even when I was building a new one. Our support does not disappear even when we think we’ve pulled off a disappearing act. When you are feeling alone you can open the blinds, take the time to look outside and see who or what is on your horizon. We have and can face our invisible walls, and can open our hearts to the invisible support in our lives.

Hummingbird Shaman Editor and Author Estee Taschereau offers clear, compassionate assistance to individuals who seek to understand their own path and abilities. Phone sessions are available in the US, as well as sessions via Skype

Many of the stories posted on this site are about a certain walk at a park overlooking beautiful Mt. Rainier in Washington State. In fact, the whole mission behind Hummingbird Shaman began with a hummingbird encounter at that park. Time and time again the hummingbirds have found me, and I have found them.

Lately I have conducted my dog walks at a walking trail instead. There is water, a bonus for a black lab, and no driving is needed. The drawback is the limited visits with my hummingbird friends at the park. We are now at the time of year when the encounters resume, making it worthy of a visit.

Today though we opted for the trail. Upon finishing an Intuitive Reading Session by phone, the mainstay of my healing and counseling practice, I quickly gathered leash and dog and headed for the trail, with just enough time for a short walk and swim before the sun set. As I walked down the stairs toward the trail I heard a familiar sound: the sound of a hummingbird call.

I stopped and looking around at the nearby trees. So many trees, such a little bird. Again I heard the call. “Come out where I can see you”, I relayed with my spiritual voice, and I continued down the stairs before the dog could complain about the delay.

We began our walk along the trail, stopping so the dog could pick up the newest aromas, and again the hummingbird called out. Suddenly I saw the little body hovering between two trees, remaining there long enough for me to spot him before returning to a branch. “You found me, and I found you”, came to mind almost as quickly as the smile.

There is a time to let our presence be known, in those times when there is an open heart ready to receive us. In those moments we can take that step, let our presence be known, and if those times do not come often enough we can encourage those around us to be a little more receptive to our being.

Hummingbird Shaman Editor and Author Estee Taschereau offers clear, compassionate assistance to individuals who seek to understand their own path and abilities. Phone sessions are available in the US, as well as sessions via Skype. Visit IntuitiveMeaning.com for more articles on totem spirits and shamanism.

This story begins with a simple hummingbird encounter taking place just minutes ago. I glanced out the window as I was waiting for my computer to complete its task, and saw a strong male hummingbird lingering at an unusually low spot in relation to the feeder. Suddenly he dropped like a lead weight, disappearing from my site.

“Peekaboo”, I thought, and just like a child I headed for the window. Keeping my movements minimal and slow, I peeked down to the brown ferns and rhodie, wondering if my little hummingbird friend was still near. As suddenly as he disappeared he returned, rising up from the foliage like a warrior rising up to meet his opponent. I was glad to have a window separating us, for I had no intention to engage in battle over sugar water.

The hummingbird quickly rose to the feeder, and his initial nervous twitching seemed to subside as he drank in his nectar. The hummingbirds have made it clear that they do not like this new feeder location. It is far too open for their taste.

It may seem more reasonable that a hummingbird would be more concerned about its safety and well-being than larger creatures, but even the lion will find a safe place where they can be the observer, and a time when they can turn their attention inward.

We are not that far removed from the animal world. Our fascination for totem animals in spirit form shows us the attributes and qualities we share with animals. It is only reasonable for us to share a similar need to hide during certain times.

We hide our spark as we ride on the crowded bus or plane. We reserve our personal tastes and needs as we serve in our business. Just like the caged tiger we don’t always have the conditions we seek so we can feel at ease, so we isolate ourselves in our thoughts, drifting into our mind instead of experiencing through our consciousness.

There are ways we can create a safer, more secure environment for ourselves, building our world from the inside. These tools can be found in the book, “Being Here Now – Find your center, Stand your ground”, now available in ebook and paperback format. Learn simple techniques for self awareness and personal ownership.

Estee Taschereau is the Editor and Author of Hummingbird Shaman, offering individual sessions for discovery of the true spark that animates you.

Here’s a story shared with me recently by a reader:

Sarah wrote:
“Hello, I stumbled across your site while searching for the meaning of a humming bird experience. I have been going through a huge personal crisis and soul search over the past 2 months. My son started having seizures in July and after many tests and many days of watching my son go through terrible suffering, he was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis. It is a genetic disorder that causes benign tumors in the brain and all over the body as well as seizures among many other things.

As you can imagine it was a devastating blow to our family. I have been struggling with his diagnosis and my faith since that moment the neurologist uttered those words. After many weeks and some really bad days we are starting to adjust and step slowly back into reality. He is still having seizures but they are fewer and we are on the way to getting them under control.

I have started searching in myself for some direction and have chosen the path of positive and to not take anything as seriously as I used to and have started to turn to faith. I have found out the hard way that there is no path, no perfection, no plan just blind faith. Something that I never used to believe existed. Through the last few days I have started asking, with no expectation of a response, who is out there watching over us.

I just need a sign that things will be ok and that it will get better. Asking blindly to show me that I am not alone in this and there is a reason for us to live this new life and begin this new journey. I went in my backyard, as I do any other day, on a rainy day too and heard what I thought was a hornet, which is common in Texas, buzzing around my head. I slowly looked up and there it was – a hummingbird on a rainy day. He flew off as quickly as he came and an uncontrollable smile hit me.

A few days later, still struggling to find my sign that I am not in this alone and looking for that “something” to prove to myself that there is reason and someone is listening, he showed up again. When I saw him the second time I knew what he was here for. He was my sign. This little bird that I have never seen in this area the 20 years I have lived here, has twice flown into sight on yet another rainy day.

I went back outside again today, it was a hard one, and I sat down on yet another rainy day both inside and out and there he was again. I am not sure what it all means but I know it means something. It is a sign that I did not and was not going to miss. I wanted to share my story with you and let you know that yes – talking to yourself is a strange practice- but sometimes someone may be listening, even if it is a little bird.”

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story, and allowing me to publish your story on the Hummingbirdshaman.com website. I know our readers wish the best for you and your son, and share in the prayer of hummingbird healing, love, and blessings.

Recently I received this email from a HummingbirdShaman.com reader who asked about her own encounters and the hidden meaning. This reprint is by permission:

“I was looking on the internet tonight trying to get an idea of the symbolism of my hummingbird experience. I came across your site and wondered if you’d have any input on this. Here is my hummingbird story:

Thank you,
Jill

Hello Jill,
While we are all sad at the loss of your child, there is so much beauty in the insights you have shared. The hummingbird gives us connectivity between the spiritual plane and our worldly experiences. I often take walks and am greeted by the hummingbird. Sometimes they watch me in silence, sometimes they share their wisdom, and sometimes they give a healing hello that is so powerful it feels like I am standing in a wind tunnel.

You have some amazing examples of the support of our spiritual presence. I’ve not heard of such a creative example as your windshield story! Yes there are some hummingbirds that stay year-round along the coast. I am in the Seattle area, and have two that live with me year-round. During our unusual hard snow I was replacing feeders 2-3 x/day to keep them thawed.

Your story comes at a surprising time, during a visit with Kaye, my teaching partner for an event called the Healing Drum Retreat. I read your story to her, and she asked to be a part of the response:

“Your story reminds me so much of my own experience with Bruce and a red tailed hawk. When Bruce passed all of the sudden three red tailed hawks began circling above my house. Now, whenever I think of Bruce, in that spiritual connectivity, the red tailed hawks appear near my home, on the road, wherever. They are there to help me with the sadness, to understand that the person I grieve for is alive in the spiritual plane and within my heart. I don’t feel like I am alone in my thoughts and feelings, the hawks always appears when I need it.”

The first time is more of an awakening, the second is the opportunity to open your heart and accept the healing. The bird came not just to your house, but inside. You faced with experience with a gentle approach in catching and releasing the bird without harming it. This reflects your own personal healing journey, to face your own experiences with grace. You remind me of my own experience in my teen years when I rescued many a hummingbird as they frantically tried to escape through the boathouse windows, catching them in a fishing net and carrying them outside. This hummingbird was willing to risk its own precious life to help you in your journey, but there was no other option, we do what we must do without thought of our own wellbeing. The first hummingbird came to awaken and heal you so you could drive home safely. The second came to give you opportunity to give back. Beautiful!

I am honored to share with everyone an inquiry regarding a hummingbird moment sent to me on April 20, 2008:

Hi, My name is Y.D., I live in Israel, this Friday I was cleaning my house and left the door open, when I wasn’t in the living room two humming birds flew in, I walked back into the room and saw them trying to get out of the living room windows which can’t really be opened, I called out to my room mate to help me.

I wasn’t sure if I could catch the humming bird without harming it, but then I did holding it in both my hands I walked to the front door and released it, the second one was still inside and my room mate was still trying to catch it, I thought about trying to catch it instead of him, and then stopped I realized that it was no coincidence that two had come in the house, I told my room mate don’t be afraid you won’t hurt it and it is so fun to set them free, and then just like that he managed to catch the second one and set it free. I can’t help but feel that this was a strong message only I am not sure what it means. Can you help me with some insight? Y.D.

In our next post we will explore this experience from a Shaman or Energy Worker viewpoint! You can subscribe to this feed by clicking the subscribe button.