Take Time to See the Woodpecker
I had been sitting at my desk all morning when my dogs sashayed into my office and politely asked to go outside to play and take care of business. Because they have me trained so well, I immediately jumped up and complied. I opened the front door to let them out, and turned to get back to work, when I heard the reverberating sounds of a woodpecker. The pecks were too loud to ignore. I quickly scanned the trees, and there he was. Clinging to the side of a pine, pecking away, perhaps foraging for his breakfast of insects and tree sap, or for all I know, non-vocally communicating his desire to seek companionship.
He quickly began frolicking from tree to tree, and I was totally captivated. I stepped back inside the house to retrieve a pair of binoculars, one of which we keep by every door for occasions such as this. I quickly adjusted the focus, and then, using the proper technique for using binoculars I learned on a birding trip to Costa Rica, I spied the woodpecker again with my eyes then slowly drew the binoculars up and positioned them to my eyes, and walla! I captured an image so sharp, it made me smile, bringing back fond memories of my trip to the rainforest.
I paused, took a deep breath and stood on the porch allowing myself time to experience the beauty around me. I instantly smelled the pleasant aroma of firewood from my neighbors home. I heard an airboat in the distance as the captain accelerated to begin the ultimate thrill ride on the river near by to skim the tall sea grass in search of wildlife. I also saw my dogs chasing one another as they raced up and down the stairs as if it were a jungle gym. I felt the dew on my feet and the slight morning breeze.
After taking a quick break to reconnect with nature, I returned to my desk refreshed, feeling creative and inspired and eager to get back to work. The dogs stayed out a bit longer because my short respite only lasted five minutes. I live on the Nature Coast of Florida and am blessed to have this magic all around me. But “nature breaks” can happen where ever you are. It can be as simple as looking out the window, hanging pictures of nature throughout your home, or enjoying a short guided meditation walk through the forest. By using one or more of your senses while experiencing the wonders of nature, research shows it can relieve stress, produce feelings of enjoyment, and re-create a feeling of anew!
“Take time to see the woodpecker” is my new mantra. It doesn’t of course need to be a wood pecker you see, but being intentional and present to take the time and really “see” and experience the magically nature around you will serve you well.
“The earth has music for those that will listen.” -William Shakespeare