Yesterday I had one of those moments, and found myself teetering between two worlds. It might seem that standing in the middle gives the sensation of detachment from everything that is going on, but the view is also spectacular, and gives opportunity to see the direction of the next step that you may not have seen when immersed in the moment.

It was mid afternoon, and I found myself wanting to lie down and sleep rather than take the dog for its walk. I gave in to my own desires for only a moment, then gathered leash and headed out the door. As I descended the stairs to the trail I dialed on my cell phone, utilizing the walk as a time to reconnect.

As the phone rang I heard a familiar voice sound out so close to where I stood. You know who I speak of, and I looked up into the nearby tree branches, seeking out the location of this loud, distinctive voice. Just as my friend answered my call, I answered the call meant for me, and I spotted the small feathered form much closer to me than I thought it would be.

It was at this point that I found myself detaching from the stream of consciousness that left me fully in one world or the other. Words came out of disappointment, with news that promises made to us earlier were now forgotten. This was one of those times when it seemed that at least one part of the world worked against us, with a chance that our efforts could crumble before us.

I listened to every word, and participated in the discussion, but still my eyes remained focused on what I found above me. My words which normally would flow out quickly were now mixed with moments of silence as I adjusted my camera into movie mode. I wondered how well the zoom would assist me in capturing this moment, and whether there would be enough impression beyond my own sight to share even a fraction of the value I found.

The calling of this little creature continued, so loud in my observation. There I was, teetering between the two worlds. As I shifted from my chosen focus on the hummingbird only a few feet above me, a form that blended so well into invisibility in this fast-paced world, I transitioned from the voice of events that could lead to broken dreams.

Our conversation then shifted into realignment with our desired outcome, and the words that followed matched the pace of my fast steps as I resumed the walk. We discussed the broken promises given to us months before, and felt the sting of it like the cold winds that placed no value on the warmth within our hearts. We would not be broken. Today was a day of not just holding on to our values before us, it was a day to see how strongly our values would support us in our cause. Our conversation quickly rose above the hurtles we faced, and quickly we found ourselves walking with wings. In fact, in looking back I smile at how often our discussions are held in the sacred space of the hummingbird level of shamanic consciousness.

The steps that followed came quickly, with little time spent lingering in any place. Quickly I found myself back at the location of my hummingbird encounter. No little voice was heard, but the impression remained. I returned home to view the video, and today I share with you the results as well as the story.

Thank you for visiting HummingbirdShaman.com – and I invite you to continue the journey of Hummingbird awareness by attending the Healing Drum Retreat April 16-18, 2010 near Yelm, Washington. This event is open for any person interested in expanding their own consciousness and learning from the perspective of the hummingbird walk.

“Lunch would be good”, I reminded myself, and decided to bring the remaining homemade soup along with me to share with Kaye, my healing drum retreat co-organizer. We will have a little work ahead of us preparing for tonight’s drum making class.

While my soup was heating I loaded my car. I’m a little more organized this trip, packing by room instead of a mish-mash stuffed in the back. As I brought bags and boxes to the car I heard the chirping of the chickadees and sparrows. “Feed us before you go”. That message was clearly stated. There was another familiar voice in the vicinity as well. I looked around but did not see her yet. Then as I locked the car (city girl that I am) and returned to the house I saw her, my little hummingbird friend that so often greets me at my office window.

“Say hello to everyone for me”, she shared, “Give them my love”. The love that radiates from a hummingbird is amazingly clear and nourishing to the soul. “Of course I will”, I returned. Then she continued on, sharing images and thoughts with me. “Let them know: Be gentle in your quest”, she offered, “The doorway opens so easily, you never have to force it”. I thought about those times I have stepped forward to glide quickly through a door only to find resistance, but the door could be so easily opened if only I stopped and pulled it toward me. Ah, a wonderful lesson came from this little bird in a simple note.

Sometimes we push away the things we don’t understand, or the parts of us that feel bigger than we perceive our spirit to be. There is grace in drawing closer those parts of us, embracing each moment of our lives. As we do so we have opportunity to find whatever is contained in that challenge. It could be a special part of us that is swirled within the chaos. We never want to throw away a part of us. What we seek is a clearer perspective and an accepting light. Be gentle with your heart, for your heart is your greatest ally.

Estee Taschereau is a clairvoyant counselor and consultant providing live, private sessions via phone. Each session brings insights with the gentle tone of the hummingbird shaman.

Later that morning I returned to the ranch down the road, to the house I had been staying at while its owners were away.  This beautiful country setting was a peaceful place to work on my writings.  Later that day I made an excuse to drive into town.  My true mission was to buy a feeder, I couldn’t find the one in storage at the house I was staying at, and the time for providing food was now.  I filled my new feeder and hung it on a small cedar tree within sight.

It didn’t take long for this sweet treat to be discovered.  In the morning I walked out on the patio to sand my drum ring before the Healing Drum Retreat weekend.  It was dry, at least, and sunny off and on.  The dog was delighted I was within reach, and I found a stick protruding through the middle of the drum with her sweet eyes saying, “play with me”. Sand the drum, throw the stick. Repeat.

Suddenly I heard the loudest whirling sound.  I looked around, and saw a little figure swoop past the feeder and onto a nearby branch. After a minute the temptation was too much to bear, and he returned to the feeder for a drink.

Camera time, the drum can wait.  Funny, I had the camera within reach of the door.  I chose a chair closer to the feeder, and waited.  Soon I heard those wild wings resonate like a loud buzzing as a sign of this hummingbird’s approach.  Was this variety louder than the local hummingbird’s, or was it just a lot less noisy out here in the country?  I was careful in my movement to avoid spooking this bird, after all we had just met.  After a battery failure and change I managed four good pictures.

Later that day I  noticed that we had not one but two birds visiting, and fighting over the feeder.  Welcome back, little brown wonders!