There Is More to Life Than Meets the Eye — Birds, Grief, and the Messages Nature Carries
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 spiritual growth.
When we see something at face value, how does that alter our perception? Philosophers from Plato to modern thinkers have noted more than once, that there’s more to life than meets the eye. What about in nature and in birds?
For centuries humans have been drawn to birds. But what if birds had a different meaning than strict biology? When a bird crosses your path, stop to think for a moment if there’s something else the birds are telling you. Maybe a message, a symbol, let’s look into this…
Mindfulness Practice Inspired by Birds: Red Knot Renewal
Red Knots have one of the longest migration journeys in the animal kingdom, traveling up to 18,000 miles per year.
Try this:
Find a comfortable position inside or outside.
As you settle, think about how far you’ve come. How many miles you’ve traveled just as the Red Knot does.
While thinking about what you’ve gained throughout the years let your breathing slow and settle. Close your eyes and let yourself just be. See yourself moving forward with the same assurance as the birds.
Picture the rolling ocean with the waves lapping the shore. Red Knots are flying overhead. You notice them steady and in unison. A reminder that you too can live a steady life, filled with renewal and trust.
The Red Knot is just one of seven coastal birds waiting to guide you. Download the free 7-Day Coastal Bird Affirmations Journey and let them all find you.
Nature Symbolism Spotlight
Cactus Bee (Diadasia rinconis)
Walking outside to the greenspace near the apartment, I noticed bees. Not just any bee though, this type was completely emerging itself into the pollen of the prickly pear blossom. As I leaned in watching the bee douse itself in pollen looking as if it wanted the pollen all over. This got me thinking, what kind of bee is this?
I discovered it was a cactus bee, commonly seen in prickly pear or saguaro blossoms.
What does this bee represent? Cactus bees are a effective pollinator for Southwestern cactus flower species. Pollination creates new buds and blossoms beneficial for other insects and creatures as well.
How does this relate to me? You can think of pollination as a symbol of spreading goodness or nurturing new growth. When we pour ourselves fully into what we love, the impact reaches far beyond what we can immediately see. Like the cactus bee, devotion creates abundance: ripples of beauty and sweetness are shared with the world.
✨ Want more coastal bird reflections? Join our free 7-day journey here
Seasonal Nature Cue - The Last Full Bloom
May invites us to chill out and notice what’s still flowering.
In the Southwest, prickly pear and cactus blossoms are nearing their brightest blooms. Wildflowers that painted the desert vibrant yellows and purples are beginning to thin, going back into the Earth. Birds gather materials to build nests quickly and the morning air still feels a bit cool, but only for a short time.
This is a week of transition. Nature is reminding us that beauty is often short-lived, and attentiveness is a type of gratitude. To witness something completely is to honor it.
Take time this week to notice what feels short but impactful in your life.
Reflection: What deserves your attention before it shifts or fades?
Personal Reflection
Recently, a family member of mine passed away. When I was younger, we had some of the best memories together: visiting Yosemite National Park, checking out Shaw Nature Reserve in Missouri, and seeing the Great American eclipse in 2017. Moments like that are ones I’ll never forget and always, nature was woven in what we did.
This person was there when I discovered my love for birds, in fact, they supported it. To think of them no longer being here even though we weren’t close as I became older, brings sad, timeless nostalgic thoughts rushing back. I know wherever they are, it’s a beautiful place where they can remain pain-free and watch over the family they hold dear.
Thinking about the loved ones we’ve lost, yes there is the part of you that longs for them, misses them, wishes they were still here with us. Then there is the other part that deep down knows you can’t hold onto someone forever. You have to release them, let them go. Let their souls find their way to where they are meant to be. Nature has always known how to release what it loves — leaves, blooms, seasons, and birds migrating to places we cannot follow. Maybe grief is just our way of learning the same lesson.
If a loved one has passed away, how do you deal with it? When you feel those moments of grief and sadness, what makes you happy again?
What’s New in the Nest - Nature Series
Something bigger is taking shape here at Avian Glow, and I want you to be the first to know.
The free 7-Day Coastal Bird Affirmations Journey you may have already discovered is just the beginning. It is Part 1 of a 3-part nature spirit series that will take you deeper into the wisdom of the natural world than you have ever gone before.
Here is what is coming:
🌊 Part 1 — Coastal Birds
Clarity, cleansing and emotional flow. This 7-day journey is available now, completely free. There will be a expanded 30-day journey coming soon.
🌵 Part 2 — Desert Birds
Strength and inner fire. For the seasons of life that ask you to burn a little brighter.
🌲 Part 3 — Forest Birds
Grounding and renewal. For coming home to yourself in the deepest way.
Each part builds on the last, deepening your connection to nature, to symbolism and to the truest version of who you are becoming.
If you have not started Part 1 yet, now is the perfect time. Download it free at the link below and let the coastal birds find you first. 🐦
Nature notices everything. You deserve to notice yourself too. Begin the free 7-Day Coastal Bird Affirmations Journey here.