Bird Symbolism, Super Moons & the Art of Nature Mindfulness
Glow Journal by avian glow
Welcome to Glow Journal, a nature-centered spirituality blog by Avian Glow. Here, we explore the connection between birds, the natural world, self-care, and nature-based mindfulness.
Nature is a part of us all. Our ancestors saw themselves as part of the landscape, not separate from it. But somewhere along the way, we started living inside screens instead of forests. Nature can feel farther away than ever and that distance leaves a mark on us without us even noticing. So, how do we return? How do we remember what it feels like to belong to the natural world?
One way is practicing mindfulness. An easy way to think of this is being present: aware of the moment, recognizing changes in your body, and what’s around you. Not judging or overanalyzing anything. Granting thoughts to pass without holding on. Feeling everything as it is. Let’s explore how mindfulness can help…
Mindfulness Practice Inspired by Birds 🐤: Whimbrel Ways
Whimbrels are shorebirds about the size of a crow with long bills that are curved downward. The tops of their heads have stripes that look like little crowns. They are a symbol of hope being on multiple conservation lists due to their declining population numbers. Showing that Whimbrels traveling across continents and returning every year gives us proof that hope is resilient.
Try this:
Set aside time for a nature walk. Pick the time, choose the outfit to wear, something comfortable and don’t forget soft walking shoes. Leave the headphones or ear buds at home.
As you take your first steps, observe the world around you. In a simple way, start with the sky. See what color the sky is. Is the sun out or the moon, feel its presence on your skin. How warm or cool the air feels. As you do this, picture the Whimbrel flying beside you supporting you with the hope it holds.
Connect with that hope and let it fill your body, mind and soul. Just as the whimbrel continues to live life even if the odds are stacked against it, you can too. See yourself doing something you’ve always wanted to do. Start with something you know you can complete. It can be as easy as putting dirty clothes in the hamper once you take them off. Or spending 10 minutes a day doing a mindfulness activity. This walk counts as one of them.
Once you have the idea, be persistent and do it every time. You can be like the whimbrel and not give up. Keep moving towards the life you’re building and be the person you want to be. Let the grace of this bird empower you and push you to new heights. You can do this, and the whimbrel can help.
The whimbrel is one of seven coastal birds waiting to guide you. Download the free 7-Day Coastal Bird Affirmations Journey and discover them all.
Nature Symbolism Spotlight🌲
Cutleaf Ironplant (Xanthisma spinulosum)
As Eevee, the puppy and myself went on a short nature lake hike, there was a golden flower staring at us. At first I thought it was a daisy but realized the petals weren’t as wide as other daisies I’ve seen. My mind drew a blank, what flower is this?
Come to find out, it was a cutleaf ironplant, part of the sunflower family! It goes to show that I’m sure every time you’ve seen a sunflower in real life it immediately catches your attention, just like the cutleaf ironplant caught mine.
What does this flower represent and what is it telling me?
The clue is in the name “ironplant” which symbolizes the woody base it has and then the root crown on top. It’s a plant that is hardy and can survive harsh conditions. When thinking about life, times can get rough and hard to deal with. Seeing this flower reminded me that strength is all around us. And sometimes, strength is right there staring at you in the face telling you that you got this. Be strong and rise to meet it.
Another important note, this plant is beneficial for birds too. Avian friends like hummingbirds come to this flower for its nectar. It even provides shelter for birds and mammals. Symbolizing how one organism can benefit others in different ways. We as humans can do the same, and it starts with mindfulness. All you have to do is be aware. Just by taking a walk or noticing a pretty flower you’re participating in conservation. You’re gaining a deeper connection with nature.
✨ Want more bird reflections? Join our free 7-day journey here
Seasonal Nature Cue 🌅 - May’s Super New Moon
May’s Super New Moon will be here on May 16.
What’s the difference between super new moons and new moons? Super New Moons are when the moon is closest to Earth.
I feel like most people know that the moon controls a lot. The tides, stability for Earth’s rotation, and biological rhythms.
Birds follow biological rhythms. Which are repeating patterns in nature, and so do we. In fall, birds migrate to their wintering grounds, places where they hunker down from harsh winter conditions until spring returns.
There’s the spring/summer time we’re in right now where you grow and expand. Then there’s the fall/winter time where it’s about introspection and you reflect on your thoughts.
Reflection: What do you have planned for inner expansion during this spring/summer season?
Personal Reflection ✍🏼
Being a soul-bonded dog owner, you start to understand your furbaby’s emotions on a deep level. I knew Eevee wanted a long outdoor hike. Working a 9-5 day job can make that difficult but I know she needs it. And honestly, so do I.
One morning before the sun came up I took her to a nearby lake. I saw a verdant, velvety area of grass against the brown tree trunks. We both relaxed there a while taking it all in. The sounds of Red-Winged Blackbirds, with their gurgling calls against the otherwise peaceful lapping of the lake. The sun rising from behind the mountains, bathing our warm bodies with dappled sunlight against the woodsy tree branches.
It felt like a nature documentary I didn’t want to stop watching. How happy it made me just to be in her presence, Mother Nature, feeling the beauty and glory she was offering freely. All I had to do was take a moment to be with her.
Try to take a little time over the next week to reconnect with nature. This tiny act can leave you with a healed mind and calm soul.
Have you ever had an experience with nature where it transcends to you internally? When you participate in mindfulness this feeling can occur. You’re not distracted by anything outside of you, you pay attention to your internal self and let nature do the rest.
What’s New in the Nest 🪺 - Blog
This is the Glow Journal blog where there’s new bird and nature inspired stories every week. I genuinely hope that you all enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them. What I’ve noticed about myself is that I start to feel excited, almost an adrenaline boost coursing through my veins every time I write. It brings me feelings of euphoria, not only am I writing, but learning more about my favorite subjects in life.
Next week, I’m going to work on getting the Glow Journal blog and social media content connected to each other. So that you all can see more of what the blog has to offer.
If you’ve completed the 7‑day journey, I’d truly love to hear how it went for you. Feel free to email me, send a direct message, or reach out through the website to share your experience.
In the coming months, we’ll be launching the 30‑Day Coastal Bird Affirmation Journey—a fully immersive experience designed to deepen your connection with coastal birds and yourself. This journey will include guided meditations and oracle cards to support reflection and emotional grounding.
As you build your relationship with nature and birds, don’t be afraid to let the natural world teach you. If something in nature catches your attention, look up its symbolism, or try to figure out if there are other meanings, you might be surprised what you find. Your perception is your reality.
Till Next Time,
Trinity, Avian Glow 🕊️