Posts Tagged ‘kindness’
~Spirit of Hummingbird~
The Hummingbird animal totem is a messenger of hope and jubilation.There is something in our souls that wants to hover at beautiful moments in our lives, making them freeze in time. There is something in us that wants to fly backwards and savor once more the beautiful past.
Some of us are just hummingbird people.
Hummingbirds are signs of:
* energy
* vitality
* joy
* renewal
* sincerity
* healing
* persistence
* peace
* infinity
* agility
* playfulness
* loyalty
* affection
It is not commonly known that the fluttering wings of the hummingbird move in the pattern of an infinity symbol – further solidifying their symbolism of eternity, continuity, and infinity.
By observing the Hummingbird, we see they are seemingly tireless. Always actively seeking the sweetest nectar, they remind us to forever seek out the good in life and the beauty in each day.
Amazing migrators, some Hummingbirds are known to wing their way as far as 2000 miles to reach their destination. This quality reminds us to be persistent in the pursuit of our dreams, and adopt the tenacity of the Hummingbird in our lives.
The most profound questions the Hummingbird asks is:
* “Where is your joy?”
* “Is your happiness found within, or do you seek it externally?”
* “What is the source of your joy?”
* “What must you do to increase your joy?”
The Hummingbird animal totem most important message to you is:
“The sweetest nectar is within!”
Unlike other birds who gain flight power from the down-stroke, hummingbirds find much power in the upstroke as well. This allows them to flap their wings 50 times a second making it a blur. This is helpful since their feet can only be used for perching. Because their breathing, heart rate, and body temperature are so high, they must feed every 10 minutes, consuming 2/3 their body weight daily.
Hummingbird’s feathers are prized in many traditions, for their magical qualities.
Hummingbird comes when we need to spend time soaking in the love of nature so we can learn how to integrate joy into our lives.
The tiny, energetic hummingbird can bring a certain magic to your day whenever they appear. Their sweetness and tireless purpose can serve as a valuable reminder to always seek out the beauties and joys of each day. As an animal totem, the hummingbird symbolizes not only beauty and joy, but a fair amount of tenacity
Hummingbird Facts
Unlike other birds whose flight power involves the down stroke of their wings, the hummingbird use the upstroke as well. In fact, their wing movement is in the form of an infinity symbol, which is not surprising since they’re often symbolic of eternity and infinity.
Because the hummingbird’s heart rate, breath rate and temperature are so high, they must feed five to eight times every hour.
Many species of hummingbirds migrate long distances. The Ruby-Throated hummingbird travels 2,000 miles from Panama to Canada. The most remarkable part of this migration is that they travel 500 miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico.
Hummingbird Lessons
* To live in the present moment and take notice of all the beauties in life.
* Strive to accomplish that which may seem impossible.
* To find purpose and meaning, even in the most mundane tasks.
* The importance of having an open and balanced heart chakra.
* To handle the twists and turns of life with grace and dignity.
* The hummingbird can also awaken us to the healing properties of herbs and flowers.
Hummingbird Legends
* In Hopi and Zuni legends, the hummingbird intervened long ago with the gods to help bring rain to humans.
* The Aztec god of the sun was called Hitzilophochti, or Hummingbird from the South and is often depicted as a hummingbird.
* In a Mayan legend, the hummingbird was the sun in disguise, trying to court a beautiful woman disguised as the moon.
* In some Caribbean cultures, hummingbirds are believed to be the souls of departed loved ones.
* In many different cultures, the hummingbird is seen as a messenger between worlds.
* So the next time you see a hummingbird, let it be a reminder to stop and take note of what is truly important in life. Let your spirit celebrate with the lively, tenacious spirit of the hummingbird.
Hummingbird – Hummingbird is a symbol for love and joy. He is attracted only to the bright colored flowers because these are the ones that bring nourishment. Learn from him by paying attention to what gives you joy. Ignore the rest.
Hummingbird feathers, believe it or not, have little true color. Instead they reflect the light in a way that makes them look as bright and beautiful as the rainbow. If we reflect light and joy in our life we too will turn the ordinary into the beautiful.
Music by Andreas Vollenweider & Kitaro ~ Spirit Of Harp and from www.freeplaymusic.com ~ Stardance
Duration : 0:5:58
Yoga Exercise with Brooks Holland (Chapter 21 of DVD)
Beginning yoga exercise with several poses demonstrated and narrated by Brooks. Beginning in Table Pose, exhale back to Downward Facing Dog Pose… Arms spread for Warrior Two Pose. Feel pulse of breath through body. Clasp hands behind back, bend down, release neck. Lie down, clasp leg, foot up to sky, stretch toes. Sivasana – final resting pose – lying down, release into floor for full relaxation.
Duration : 0:5:26
Nutrition (Chapter 14 of DVD)
Food can lessen inflammation in body from stress. Ritual of coming together to make a meal lessens stress. Don’t have to be very strict about diet. Want health promotion, not disallowance. Meals can be good for soul, too. Food is about joy, love, family. Limit intake of saturated fat: red meat and dairy. Increase fish, vegetables, soy. Taste treats like curry. All relieve inflammation of stress. Use extra virgin olive oil or expeller pressed Canola oil. These oils improve heart health. Less frying, more steaming in food preparation. Cut away charred meat.
Duration : 0:3:28
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chapter 13 of DVD)
A complete system unto itself. Concerned with balance of Chi or Life Force. Under stress, chi is out of balance – deficiency of chi in one area, blockage of chi in another. Chinese medical practitioners diagnose by checking pulse: 3 different places, 2 different depths on either side. Each pulse is a different organ in the body. Patient sticks out tongue for doctor to check. Treatments: medical herbs, massage, diet, and acupuncture. Good research data show it helps with sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and pain.
Duration : 0:2:26
Yoga & Tai Chi (Chapter 12 of DVD)
Describes the process and attributes of Yoga & Tai Chi. You can do yoga from many different fitness levels. Yoga postures are preparation for breath-work. Then Meditation. Then spiritual reflection. Yoga is not a competitive sport. Tai Chi -moving meditation. Practiced in communities across Asia. Used to prevent falls, lower blood pressure, and manage stress. Flowing movement tied with breath and meditation.
Duration : 0:2:31
