Thank you so much for being out there witnessing and photographing and taking the time to write and share. Your post reminds us that nonhuman species indeed have complex web of emotions and motives and objectives. Thank you for awakening how I should be seeing life around me.
are they perhaps embodying the political energies showing up in the world in a visceral, tangible way.....the ancient nervous system at work with little evidence of higher consciousness......they, however, will likely not hold a grudge -
I so enjoyed this read! Your photos captured that Blue Heron salsa so well.
If you are ever in Council Grove early spring through summer, there are several blue heron’s that congregate below the dam by the outlet tube. Dances commence quite often 💃
Such a great photo essay and I am in awe of your sunrise awakenings which is such a special thing to witness, one that for mer often gets swallowed by laziness and lolling! And to witness and feel the rawness of aggression. it is such an energy and I'm glad you had your lens to protect you!
When I lived in Amsterdam we had to watch out for those stridently territorial herons, often they had their own little patch alongside the canals in the midst of the busy city, and woe betide anyone who forgot about it and tried to park their bike when the heron was home. They can be so intimidating up close! all that stillness holds a weight to it.
As for the omen well it seems to be about boundaries and the ability to clearly mark the boundary to all who press against it. After all there was quite the provocation going on!
How we practice anger often determines how we use it and if we have no practice then it can feel uncontrollable, which can lead to guilt and shame. So maybe also an anger practice this year, to inform your dance and lovely grace and resilience, so that your boundaries are firm and respected.
Wow, enjoyed this so much! Spectacular photos! Funny on daily dog walks I visit a lone heron down at a small marina nearby. The same old one, always busy fishing. About time he gets a name! Maybe Santiago, the old fisherman in Old Man and the Sea? Your writing just keeps getting better and better Karen! Thank you! D
Wow Karen, that must have been magnificent to witness in real life! Anytime I've seen a blue heron in the wild they always seem so stately and peaceful - I love seeing this other side of them through the lens of your camera.
2023 has gotten off to a rocky and unexpected start for me. I try to cultivate peace and serenity in my life, but sometimes life calls us to fight like hell, as your herons did. Thank you for reminding me that the fight won't last forever, and that eventually, there will be a return to stillness and calm.
P.S. I bought my mom a gift subscription to your newsletter for Christmas and she LOVES it :)
Great photos! It seems to me it means you're moving into 2023 with a lot of hot energy, working through some inner conflicts, maybe? But feisty energy can be good energy!
Great photos! My thoughts are, that this fits in perfectly with what you'd like to embody. It could signify your struggle for peace, the universe showing you that it might feel like a battle at times, but that you will prevail. Keep the vision of the heron claiming his pond as a message that you claiming fluidity, playfulness, kindness and resiliency is obtainable, and most of all, worth fighting for. 💟
Thanks, Karen. this is a delightful reflection. In my opinion, there can never be too many of your photos. I felt like I was actually there watching and reflecting. Peace!
I feel like chaotic energies are walking into me rather me walking into to them. Ferocious winds and relentless rivers of rain since New Years Eve and still more to come, lining up across the Pacific one after another. It's difficult to focus and find peaceful spaces when surrounded by wild at heart uncompromising nature. So I'm trying to extend my mind forward into Spring to visually feast on the verdant landscape in all it's startling green glory that these raging storms will in the end produce.
Mmmm, yes, it's a lot Jan. Trying to find calm in the storm is such a challenge, whether the storm is outer or inner. May peace and compassion walk with you.
Thank you so much for being out there witnessing and photographing and taking the time to write and share. Your post reminds us that nonhuman species indeed have complex web of emotions and motives and objectives. Thank you for awakening how I should be seeing life around me.
Thank you Saejung Lee
They’re wonderful, aren’t they?! We have dancing cranes at our summer cottage. They’re pretty amazing to watch. Such a glorious thing to witness.
I was sick over the calendar transition to the new year but I still feel positive about 2023. I’m focusing on flourishing in all aspects of my life ✨
I'm sorry you were sick but glad you are feeling positive!
are they perhaps embodying the political energies showing up in the world in a visceral, tangible way.....the ancient nervous system at work with little evidence of higher consciousness......they, however, will likely not hold a grudge -
:) Possible!
I so enjoyed this read! Your photos captured that Blue Heron salsa so well.
If you are ever in Council Grove early spring through summer, there are several blue heron’s that congregate below the dam by the outlet tube. Dances commence quite often 💃
Thank you Karla! Ah, yes, spring gets even more interesting.
Amazing photos and thought-provoking post. Thank you!
Thank you Jeanne!
Wow--you say this isn't a piece about peace. But sometimes, to feel "peace" we might need to feel the edge of the alternative! Presence and absence.
So glad you shared this. And love the third piece, about Rick James :)
Thank you Alison!
Such a great photo essay and I am in awe of your sunrise awakenings which is such a special thing to witness, one that for mer often gets swallowed by laziness and lolling! And to witness and feel the rawness of aggression. it is such an energy and I'm glad you had your lens to protect you!
When I lived in Amsterdam we had to watch out for those stridently territorial herons, often they had their own little patch alongside the canals in the midst of the busy city, and woe betide anyone who forgot about it and tried to park their bike when the heron was home. They can be so intimidating up close! all that stillness holds a weight to it.
As for the omen well it seems to be about boundaries and the ability to clearly mark the boundary to all who press against it. After all there was quite the provocation going on!
How we practice anger often determines how we use it and if we have no practice then it can feel uncontrollable, which can lead to guilt and shame. So maybe also an anger practice this year, to inform your dance and lovely grace and resilience, so that your boundaries are firm and respected.
Thank you Natasha, this is all good for contemplation and I appreciate it!
Wow, enjoyed this so much! Spectacular photos! Funny on daily dog walks I visit a lone heron down at a small marina nearby. The same old one, always busy fishing. About time he gets a name! Maybe Santiago, the old fisherman in Old Man and the Sea? Your writing just keeps getting better and better Karen! Thank you! D
Thank you Dan! Mmmm, yes, your heron needs a name for sure and a poetic one at that!
I have never seen anything like this. I'm so jealous.
Thank you Janisse! Nature is so full of surprises.
Wow Karen, that must have been magnificent to witness in real life! Anytime I've seen a blue heron in the wild they always seem so stately and peaceful - I love seeing this other side of them through the lens of your camera.
2023 has gotten off to a rocky and unexpected start for me. I try to cultivate peace and serenity in my life, but sometimes life calls us to fight like hell, as your herons did. Thank you for reminding me that the fight won't last forever, and that eventually, there will be a return to stillness and calm.
P.S. I bought my mom a gift subscription to your newsletter for Christmas and she LOVES it :)
Ah, thank you Alexa! I can see that it was a gift but I can't trace it to who made the gift. I'm so glad to know it's your mom! How lovely.
And you are right - sometimes life calls us to fight like hell. Lots and lots of prayers to you, your husband and your family.
Great photos! It seems to me it means you're moving into 2023 with a lot of hot energy, working through some inner conflicts, maybe? But feisty energy can be good energy!
Sounds about right Robyn, thank you!
Great photos! My thoughts are, that this fits in perfectly with what you'd like to embody. It could signify your struggle for peace, the universe showing you that it might feel like a battle at times, but that you will prevail. Keep the vision of the heron claiming his pond as a message that you claiming fluidity, playfulness, kindness and resiliency is obtainable, and most of all, worth fighting for. 💟
Thank you Sue, I love this too.
Thanks, Karen. this is a delightful reflection. In my opinion, there can never be too many of your photos. I felt like I was actually there watching and reflecting. Peace!
Thank you Uncle Bill!
What a cool thing to witness and capture ! Thank you for sharing
Thank you Katie
Interesting story of a moment in the life of these birds.
Thank you!
I feel like chaotic energies are walking into me rather me walking into to them. Ferocious winds and relentless rivers of rain since New Years Eve and still more to come, lining up across the Pacific one after another. It's difficult to focus and find peaceful spaces when surrounded by wild at heart uncompromising nature. So I'm trying to extend my mind forward into Spring to visually feast on the verdant landscape in all it's startling green glory that these raging storms will in the end produce.
Mmmm, yes, it's a lot Jan. Trying to find calm in the storm is such a challenge, whether the storm is outer or inner. May peace and compassion walk with you.