March Newsletter

33 hours.  That’s how long it took me to disconnect, get quiet in my soul and spirit, and to finally hear the birds sing. I knew my soul needed some tending at the start of Lent. I could not quite put words to it, but the weather and intensity of January and early February slowly pulled me away from Center/Love/God, and I knew I needed some re-anchoring. With the exception of staying connected to my family and with the gracious support of colleagues, I unplugged for 33 hours from being available and connecting.  I was quiet, I prayed, I listened, I lit a candle or two, I journaled, did yoga, walked a lot (those monks are on to something) and read soul-supporting material.  

What I noticed at the end of that quiet was yes, the birds were singing quite loudly at times.  Is anyone else out there like me, missing the birds singing?  Are you noticing nudges within your soul and spirit to slow down, start a new practice, or let something go this Lenten season so that you are better able to listen for whoever or whatever may be trying to sing?  It’s not too late.  

Yes, there are fewer birds out there which may be part of the reason I could not hear the singing.  We have lost 3 billion birds since 1970, yes, you heard that right.  This really should make everyone’s jaw drop.  According to the Audubon Society,"The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stressors that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world because of habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events….when we see declines like those…we need to remember that if conditions are not healthy for birds, they’re unlikely to be healthy for us.” 

Yes, there are fewer birds out there which may be part of the reason I could not hear the singing.  We have lost 3 billion birds since 1970, yes, you heard that right.  This really should make everyone’s jaw drop.  According to the Audubon Society,"The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stressors that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world because of habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events….when we see declines like those…we need to remember that if conditions are not healthy for birds, they’re unlikely to be healthy for us.” 

Here at The Trees we have 50 acres of trees and our trees are the home to a variety of birds.  We are working on conservation partnerships to keep our birds chirping for a very long time.  Do you miss hearing the birds? Do you even notice that you are missing hearing the birds?  Please join us for many upcoming opportunities to be quiet, settle your soul and spirit, and yes, listen to the birds.  Scroll down and sign up to join us!  

Bird singing promised. 

With peace and hope,


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