What A Heron Taught Me

The past couple of days have been a bit off. I was out of sorts and not feeling like my usual self. I had plenty of time to think about things happening in my life and to make decisions on what was important at the time. Today I went to the park. It was really pretty today, the right temperature with vivid, blue skies and plenty of sun. The leaves were all yellow and that’s something that I love to see.  I was walking on the path beside the river when I stumbled upon an older couple looking out into the water. I followed their gaze and saw what they were watching.

It was a blue heron standing in the river catching fish. I’ve never seen anything like that before, so I stood there for several minutes watching.  I’m sure the heron was aware that we were there staring, but it continued to stand there patiently waiting for the right moment to plunge it’s head into the river to catch a fish. It was absolutely amazing and something that I won’t forget. As simple as it was, it was completely complex and it held a lot of truth and meaning.

I walked a little further down the river to where my parents were. Dad was sitting next to it looking at all of the rocks on the ground. Mom went exploring some and I followed her. There was another spot that we found where we could watch the heron. This time, the heron was flapping it’s wings and jumping in different areas of the river while trying to catch it’s food. The heron wasn’t as patient this time. From what I watched, he was not able to catch anything. If you have ever watched wildlife, then you know that it is an experience and can learn something. The heron taught me to be calm and wait for things to come on their own. The timing will be perfect when it does and in the end everything will be ok. I shouldn’t go about trying to make things happen because that will just push it away. Who knew that a heron could teach you so much and make you realize what you need to know at the time?

After watching the heron, I went back over to my dad. He was now throwing rocks into the river trying to hit the leaves as they floated by. I laughed at him for being childish, but of course I joined in after. To do something as simple as that is truly refreshing. Next time you have an opportunity, go to the river and try to hit the leaves. No matter the mood you are in, you will feel better.

It feels good to be able to let go once in a while. To do something silly and childish like throwing rocks is revitalizing. From the discomfort from physical pain I’ve been dealing with and just being in a pissy mood, this was relaxing and exactly what I needed. Should you ever feel angry or upset, go outside and explore. You’ll find things that will help you and somehow, in one way or another, you will learn something that at the time you need to know.