Long before dinner reaches the table inside the house the others get their share. I brought with me a special tray of home-made suet for the occasion. Back home the hummingbirds feeders have been checked to assure that none run dry, and suet is in place for the Pileated and downy woodpeckers, titmouse, sparrows and other winged ones.

The Giving Part of Thanksgiving

There is no better time than now to bring up the topic of giving. On that day so many decades ago there is the story of the people who had reached this land and were desperate to find food. There were no laws, social programs, or charities to assist them. It was through the reaching out of indigenous people to share the little that they had that made this event memorable. Reaching out without being asked. Giving for no reason other than giving.

Ways to Give Today

I look around at the communities that are rising throughout my region, even in this downturn of the economy. They clear cut large areas and “make up” for it with a tiny park and a few young trees planted along the side of the roads. What happens to the wildlife in those areas?

I was asked about the hummingbirds when visiting one of those communities. No trees were present to provide perching and shelter. “You can put out a feeder, but you’ll have to find a shady spot so the sugar water doesn’t go rancid”. Be patient, it may take some time to encourage the hummingbirds to return to this area. Don’t forget the suet and seed.

Giving to Those We Cannot See

Just as the damage done to the wildlife habitat is rarely seen or thought of there are many in our midst who have been damaged in one way or another, and quietly endure. A friend told me about a fund created at her vet’s office to help seniors who could not afford emergency treatment for their pet. I gave thought further thought to this idea, and decided a posting on giving was in order.

Organizations exist in every state, and it’s easy enough to google for “wildlife rescue washington state” or whatever state you live in. In my area is the well-known PAW’s. My sister donates her used clothing and other items to their thrift stores. There is also the Washington Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, and other wild bird rescue groups. We can give our time, used items, and cash donations, and every gift counts. Check with these organizations if you seek a deductible receipt.

Happy Thanksgiving One and All

The rest of the homemade suet will soon appear in the feeder as the peanuts mixed in with the smaller seed will soon be gone. As I type a scrub-jay is already taking what he can within his beak, and two doves are in a winged dance to determine who gets first-feeder rights. Happy Thanksgiving to all within my circle, to those inside with the warmth from the wood stove to those who perch on the trees outside the door.

Blessings,

Estee Taschereau
HummingbirdShaman

p.s. Thanks to the many readers here at HummingbirdShaman.com. To those who find us without looking, and for those who seek to find answers. And to those many who share their stories. Thank you, so much, I am truly grateful.

Without going into details of my casual arrival day, I decided to return to my off-site hotel just after the twilight of days end. I turned to short-cut through the valet parking, and found myself in a whole different world. A flurry of activity darted in and out of my vision as the bats flew overhead. Was this a shift, or in other words is this a whole different world than the business environment I had just left?

Unseen Symbiotic Support

For me the two go hand-in-hand.  What do the bats offer us? They work silently and swiftly in the night, consuming hundreds of insects that would cause havoc in our lives, like mosquitoes.

I could not move on, the sight of these winged wonders captivate me. I was bold enough to pull out my camera, knowing that I could snap 100′s of photos to get one good image, but I could not help myself.  While I could find a connection between my indoor symbiotic support system and the diligent work of the winged ones the story was not yet over. Within a minute another turned the same corner, and as he passed by he said, “I know you”.  As I asked him to refresh me on his work I quickly recalled our first meeting. We stood there and talked for the longest time, building bridges between our work and chosen missions, and he was patient as I flipped my camera upward yet again to snap what could be an interesting photo.

The end result? Had we not had that quiet moment in the warm summer night I would not have know the symbiotic relationship we shared. We decided to connect yet again, and support the efforts of one another: that is the foundation of a symbiotic relationship. Little did we know another connection that would bring smiles to our faces, and I hugged him as a congratulations for his birthday today, making him promise the same tomorrow for mine.

Symbiotic is not always visible

No matter what our focus, or the beliefs that we hold, most everyone will agree that there are times when it seems that there is a force beyond what our eyes can see that tells us that our lives are orchestrated. While we can sing our own song, and play our own tune, it takes a symbiotic alliance to create a symphony.

Unseen Symbiotic Support © 2011 Estee Taschereau, Hummingbird Shaman™ and Walk With Wings™. Estee brings over 30 years as a spiritual counselor to help individuals gain a more fulfilling and purposeful focus in their personal and professional world, guiding them in their own awareness and appreciation of their life path and abilities. Sessions are available via phone or Skype, by appointment.

Tzunuum, the sacred hummingbird, was created by the Great Spirit as a tiny, delicate bird with amazing flying skills. Tzunuum was the only bird in the kingdom who could fly backwards and hover with great ease. But Tzunuum the hummingbird was very plain to see. Her feathers had no bright colors at all. She didn’t mind her lack of colors, for Tzunuum took great pride in her flying skills and was happy with her life despite her simple appearance.

When the time came to be married, Tzunuum found that she had neither a wedding gown to wear, nor a necklace to adorn her for this blessed event. She was so sad and despondent about this, and so her best friends gathered to create a wedding dress and jewelry as a surprise.

First they talked to Ya, the vermilion-crowned flycatcher wore a gay crimson ring of feathers around his throat. He decided to use it as his gift, sharing his precious crimson feathers. He tucked a few red plumes in his crown and gave the rest to the hummingbird for her wedding-day necklace. Then they spoke with Uchilchil, the bluebird, who generously donated several blue feathers for her gown. Next they found the vain motmot. In an attempt to not be outdone by the others, the motmot offered both turquoise blue and emerald green. The cardinal, likewise, gave some red ones.

Their work had only just begun. Yuyum, the oriole, who was an excellent tailor as well as an engineer, sewed all the plumage into the most exquisite wedding gown for the little hummingbird bride. Ah-leum, the spider, crept up the gown with a fragile web woven of shiny gossamer threads for her veil. She also helped Mrs. Yuyum weave intricate designs into the dress. Canac, the honeybee, having heard about the wedding, told all his friends who knew and liked the hummingbird. They each brought much honey and nectar for the reception and hundreds of blossoms, for they knew that the blossoms were Tzunuum’s favorites.

Soon the Azar tree dropped a carpet of petals over the ground where the ceremony would take place. The Azar tree also offered to let Tzunuum and her groom spend their honeymoon in her branches. Pakal, the orange tree, put out sweet-smelling blossoms, as did Nicte, the plumeria vine. Haaz (the banana bush), Op the custard apple tree) and Pichi and Put (the guava and papaya bushes) made certain that their fruits were ripe in time for the wedding so the wedding guests would have delicious refreshments. Fnally a large band of butterflies of all colors arrived to dance and flutter around the hummingbird’s wedding site.

When the wedding day arrived Tzunuum was so surprised, very happy and grateful that she could barely speak her vows. The Great Spirit so admired her humble, honest soul, and he sent word down through the wings of his messenger, Cozumel, the swallow, that the hummingbird could wear her wedding gown for the rest of her life. To this day, she has worn the colors offered to her that day.

Discover Your Own Hummingbird Colors

Hummingbird reading sessions are available via phone or Skype, by appointment. Learn more about your own hummingbird alchemy, and the abilities that speak your soul to the world around you.

The Existence of Something Amazing

First and foremost we must have the world, a wonderful collection of experiences that we can see, taste, touch, smell, and hear. Imagine what it would be like to be without our senses, without the physical world that gives us so many opportunities? Not only do we have so many different things to experience but we have good things and bad, and a range of pro’s and con’s attached to most everything. We get to practice making choices every moment of every day.

Awareness

Recently I had my first sighting of a Pileated Woodpecker, the largest of the woodpecker family, and I did not know they lived in my area. I shared this sighting with a complete stranger who shared my joyful discovery with shared delight. Had I not turned back to the place of sighting with this person I would not have seen this woodpeckers mate appear. Earlier in my walk, in my meditative vision, I thought about how death supports life. I had wondered briefly why this particular train of thought, but it was all explained when I saw this woodpecker working diligently on breaking into the rotting wood on a dead tree. Death supporting life, indeed.

Making Something Out Of Nothing

Call it imagination, or perception on a different level. Call it vision, psychic ability, or any of a variety of names that we’ve used to describe this incredible gift that we so often take for granted. We have vision, not the kind that involves our physical eyes but the vision of the meta-physical. We can also create amazing connections between one thing and another, ties that would not always appear at first glance, but are real and important on some level. Things like how the warm touch of loving support stimulates a baby to grow stronger, to survive. Without touch we fade and wither away.

This ability to create connections, that is how we learn and grow. The pathway may seem unusual, but who are we to judge? It may be an amazing discovery taking form, something that could change the world. It could be an amazing discovery just to that individual. We all need that warm touch of loving support within our days, those signs that this is a special place to be. Perhaps if we look close enough we’ll see in the eyes of the world our own reflection.

So many words and yet I have hardly touched on the topic. Heart rocks – they have never really been in my scope of interest until recently. I have friends who collect them, and as they speak of these discoveries their soul shines through in their words. There is something special in the idea of a heart rock. I recently found a heart rock and shared the story with others. Over the next few days this heart rock grew, so to speak, and I realized how many heart rocks I meet every day, people who support, love and guide others. How often do we serve as another’s heart rock, being strong and solid within their lives?

I invite you to share your heart rock story, both in the comments on this website and at the Walk With Wings page on Facebook, a place where you can share your heart rock photos, stories, and more. Be a part of a community that shares a common goal, to grow in our heart-rock actions and create a stronger space for others to shift into the heart-rock way of thinking. Together we Walk With Wings.

© 2011. HummingbirdShaman.com™: Walk With Wings™ is offered by intuitive awareness mentor and counselor Estee Taschereau. Intuitive Healing Sessions are available for those who seek clarity and resolution. All sessions are by appointment, offered via phone (US or Canada) or Skype (international).

Free spirited

These two words hold so much meaning, more than their individual words could ever contain. We say that we fought for our freedom, and that is what our flag stands for but how many times do we see situations when that freedom is breeched? We state that we as spirit are free, but we live in lifetimes that are defined and limited. When I delve into the concept of being “free spirited” I too find the rebellious image of a teen who defies their directives and does “their own thing”, but that image isn’t at all free, and does not hold much honor for our spirit. Being free spirited has a deeper meaning, and I believe that we express being free spirited through a combination of focus and action.

Our “time” here on the earth is broken down into moments, and we do not always invest ourselves wisely in those moments. To Walk With Wings is to practice the ability to be more fully in each moment by instilling those moments with both the passion of the moment and the greatness of our divine light. We do not need more time, we need more of ourselves in our moments.

Captivating

To be captivating, what does that mean? To be captivating is to draw attention to ourselves or some focal point. There are those who choose to captivate by pushing their “story” in the face of others. This approach is painful and depleting, and does not allow us to grow because all our energy goes into supporting the story, not ourselves.

To be “captivating” can also mean something completely different. We can be magnetically captivating, so richly embedded in our own experience and message that others cannot help but be drawn to that light. We do not drag them or force them into our story, instead they are attracted to us freely and willingly.

Both approaches are similar because they both hold onto a belief and connect two or more people that share that belief. The difference between those two approaches lies in the outcome. Does the story you share with others deplete or nourish? Is it a hiding place that allows you to continue to say, “See, I told you it would turn out this way”, or is it a place where you can express your hearts desires and create new ways of sharing your dream?

The Hummingbird Symbol

The focus here at Hummingbird Shaman is very symbolic in nature, but we are surrounded by symbols. I choose symbols that lead me to thoughts that make me stronger, and I choose to give at least a few minutes of my time to giving my energy and awareness to the supporting meaning I choose to see in those symbols.

What qualities in ourselves can we see in the hummingbird? Small yet amazingly capable; free spirited yet captivating.

We choose the symbols that guide us and hold meaning in our lives. Our symbols can speak for us and allow us to sleep-walk through life, or they can give us the tiny glimmer of light that helps us re-awaken.

© 2010 Estee Taschereau, Walk with Wings™ and HummingbirdShaman™. Hummingbird Shaman Spiritual Healing sessions are available by phone or skype, use contact form to schedule. Reprint is allowed when credit is given to the author and link to this original article.