Interconnectedness with a bee
While I was painting in the studio, an insect - I assumed a fly - kept hitting against the window, trying to get back outdoors. I felt a brief moment of compassion, as I imagined its sense of panic. I kept a door open nearby, hopeful for its freedom. Hours later I learned it was a honeybee, as he landed on my easel, then flew right towards me, and landed on the front of my shirt! Amazingly, my first reaction was not fear, but rather one of compassion. He seemed tired, from all the efforting. Together we made our way outside, where he took flight to the skies, presumably back home. A feeling of joy for his freedom came up. I feel grateful that compassion came first. It so easily could have been otherwise. I am grateful I did not lash out in panic or fear or try to cause harm. Today I bow to ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by screechingbird
- Oct 2, 2020
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
A Piece of My Heart
Quietly folding origam
i hearts was my meditative response to processing the events of this week in the U.S.
I left a small box of them in the post office lobby, hoping to offer peace and connection in these difficult times. I checked back later and almost all were gone.
There is such an art to letting go of that which we cannot control, and yet staying engaged with so much that we can still do to touch lives.
- Posted by screechingbird
- Jan 21, 2021
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
Heartfelt Sharing For Those in School
I assembled 30 packets of seven origami hearts in each and delivered it to the counseling center at the local high school, with a thank you note for all they do.
They will know best who might enjoy a packet of hearts to keep and can enjoy sharing the rest.
I delivered the packets a week early with instructions on how to make the hearts thinking they might like to grow the project between now and Monday.
My heart goes out to everyone in schools right now.
- Posted by screechingbird
- Mar 12, 2022
- Comments (12)
- Share Story
“that’s Really Cool.” A ...
“That’s really cool.” A mid-thirties woman sits across from me, opening her laptop, at the tall long table in the airport concourse.
“Would you like to have it? It flaps its wings and folds flat for travel.”
“I would love to have it.” I gladly hand her the flapping-winged crane.
“How fun that you can do that to bring others uplift.”
“I live for it!”
A few minutes earlier I had handed the barista an origami heart as I paid for my mocha. Immediately her neutral expression changed to the widest grin. “Thank you so much!” She said, meeting me with warm and grateful eyes.
I love these small moments of connection, when we shift from autopilot to awake and connected.
The smallest act, the briefest moment, the hugest change.
It is my greatest joy.
- Posted by screechingbird
- Sep 15, 2024
- Comments (9)
- Share Story
