Oct week 4 – That bird brought joy back into my life!

Namibian Himba girl sings with joy!

In September a CBS news story reported that, regardless of how they will vote, most women are glad a woman is a major party nominee for president.   The same poll showed that 80 percent of Democratic women and 58 percent of Independent women felt this way. On the other hand, most Republican women, 54 percent, do not share this sentiment. In case you are wondering, most men voters are also glad a woman is a major party presidential nominee.

I am saddened and frustrated by these statistics.  I would love it if 100% of the women and almost that many men were celebrating and planning to vote for all the women candidates, from school boards to the presidency!

When first lady Michelle Obama spoke at a Clinton rally in New Hampshire on Thursday, October 13,  she implored voters repulsed by the coarseness of the presidential campaign to consider the impact a Trump presidency would have on young girls and boys – and the message it would send to the world.  “If you vote for someone other than Hillary, or you don’t vote, you are helping to elect her opponent,” she said. “Imagine how that will feel.”

With these words swirling in my head and heart these past weeks I have been finding it difficult to experience joy for more than a few moments at a time. Then, all of a sudden, a hummingbird dive-bombed right in front of me on my morning walk.  That bird brought joy back into my life!

The hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world, known for its beautiful plumage.  This bird has a high heart rate and wing flap rate and is the only bird that can fly backwards.  Amazing!  But then I thought,  “Moving backwards is the last thing we want for the rights of women!”  Realizing my emotions had gone into reverse, I reminded myself that the hummingbird symbolizes joy, playfulness, and adaptability.

The call of the hummingbird totem will guide us to embrace love and lightness in our emotional life and encourage us to open up our hearts and expose ourselves more fully to joy and friendly affection.  Affinity with the hummingbird motivates us to develop our adaptability and resiliency. If the hummingbird shows up in your life as your spirit guide, it may remind you to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and take time to enjoy yourself. The hummingbird’s wisdom carries an invitation to take part in and draw to yourself life’s sweetness.

Common Mimetes – a swirl of JOY!

Jamie Sams in her book “Medicine Cards” says “If Hummingbird has flown into your cards (or path), get ready to laugh musically and enjoy Creator’s many gifts. Drop your judgmental attitude and relax. Hummingbird will no doubt give you a flash of the spirit, darting here, there, and everywhere. Get ready for a strange new burst of energy which may send your senses reeling.”

We need to move on from our shock, depression, frustration and fear at the negativity toward women that is being expressed in this election, and do what women have always done in this country. We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work.  Claim affinity with the hummingbird and joyfully live with strength, positive hope and resiliency.