“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the stillness.”—Robert Lynd
I spotted this magnificent Great Blue Heron while walking along the nature trails around the perimeter of the lake where we live. It was standing motionless in the weathered reeds, gazing into the water for prey with all the stillness of a monk meditating in a forest monastery.
When I first made my approach, only its’ head was visible.
Then, sensing my presence it began to walk towards the water. Suddenly, it spread its wings, and was ready for take off. It then folded it neck into a “S” shape, lifted itself, and soared to the other side, trailing its long legs behind. I had hoped to capture a few still shots and was fortunate enough to photograph the sequence of its majestic flight path.
Symbolic Meaning of the Great Blue Heron:
Calm
Graceful
Patient
Versatile
Tranquil
Mindful
Determined
Independent
Confident
Resourceful
Herons live in the NOW and teach us the vital practice of maintaining stability, calm, focus, and fluidity in our lives.
An excerpted Poetic offering called Heron Rises from the Dark, Summer Pond
by Mary Oliver
So heavy
is the long-necked, long bodied heron,
always...a surprise
when her smoke-colored wings
open
and she turns
from the thick water,
from the black sticks,
of the...pond…
and slowly into the air
and is gone.
Then, not for the first or the last time,
I take a deep breath
of happiness…
this decision,
this trailing of the long legs in the water,
this opening up of the heavy body
into a new life: see how the sudden
gray-blue sheets of her wings
strive toward the wind; see how the clasp of nothing
takes her in.
Photos of the Blue Heron taken at Rinconada Hills
Photo of the statue of the monk taken at Breathe Together Yoga studio
