Lessons from a Birdbrain: Migration Celebration

Lessons from a Birdbrain: Migration Celebration introduces 21 birds found in Ohio during spring and fall along with a “birdbrain” lesson; simple concepts I learned from studying mindfulness.



Birding and mindfulness go hand in hand because while birding I am present and intently tuned in to the world. When I take a photo, I am 100% dedicated and quite literally focusing. Like an athlete, I slow my breath and zoom in for the ‘win’. Perhaps corny, but real for me.



I also repeatedly learn lessons of attachment, expectations, success and failure. I can’t control what birds will be around, the lighting when the bird lands or if my battery is about to die. I can prepare and plan but I can’t force outcomes. I can take failures in stride OR I can brood. Allowing disappointment or elation to pass has been key for me to rise above my tendency to get caught up in thoughts.



My greatest gift from birding is the ability to “see” thoughts and feelings from a distance. If I don’t see that black chinned hummingbird who showed up in Ohio, oh well. The elation I felt when I saw my first surf scoter, while lovely, is fleeting.



If you’re in Ohio in fall or spring, you could try to find the birds I’ve included here. If you are reading this book in winter or another part of the world, I hope you can simply enjoy learning about these amazing traveling warriors, survivors and songsters.



21 chapters coincides with the number of days it takes for a habit to begin to take hold. I encourage you to read a chapter each day and reflect on the lesson. Can you step aside and let a worry pass? Can you mindfully experience a precious moment by recognizing its impermanence?



More important than finding a warbler, I hope you find a “birdbrained” lesson (or ten) that speak to you. I hope you hear an idea at the right time that allows you to step aside and regain balance and serenity from the lesson that bird(s) bring(s).