Standing on the banks of the Metolius River in central Oregon several months ago, I never would have imagined that this little bird would be such a powerful teacher.
I offered this image as an anchor of attention in my recent 15-Day Meditation Refresh program. Gazing meditation was the practice that morning.
In the discussion period following the meditation, someone asked what kind of bird it was. Other than “calm and grounded bird,” I had no idea. I was struck by my lack of curiosity about the bird’s official identity when I was photographing it.
My intention during the photography session was to connect with the bird’s grounded presence against the background of the turbulent glacial river. Trying to name the bird in that moment would have entailed Science Mind kicking Observer Mind off the stage. Observer Mind anchors us in the present moment. Science Mind pulls us into thinking.
Letting Go of Labels
Early in my mindfulness awakening journey, I learned to let go of labels to sense in more directly to the life force that connects all of us — humans and the non-human natural world alike. I decided I didn’t need to remember the names of flowers, shrubs, or trees (not cool for a Master Gardener, another label I have since let go of).
Bird names? Forget about it. Having Eckhart Tolle tell me that manmade labels aren’t important made it easy for me to let go of the idea that I “should” know more bird names. The fact that I get motion sick using binoculars sealed the deal.
But How Do We Honor?
The universe unfailingly drops in the teachers we need at just the right time. This summer, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass transformed my framing of Science Mind.
With intentional use at the right time, Science Mind can be a rich facilitator for our curiosity, awareness, and empathy, traits we cultivate with mindfulness practice. Science Mind also motivates us to take action to protect what we love and recognize as being at risk.
When Is the Right Time for Science Mind?
During our formal meditation practice, whether it’s sitting inside focusing on the breath, mindful walking outside, or anchoring our attention on bird song, Observer Mind has center stage. Observer Mind focuses only on the present moment, not getting carried away by thinking, planning or analyzing.
Science Mind often tries to barge in, wanting to let you know how smart it is, how much it knows, or to criticize you for not knowing the Latin name of that awe inspiring wild flower in your path.
My transformation this summer is to have developed a new and gentler relationship with Science Mind. We’re a collaborative team now, with a better understanding of the role and proper timing for fact finding.
Let Me Introduce You To My Friend
When I realized I couldn’t answer the “What kind of bird is it?” question, I felt I had let this bird down. My failure of curiosity amounted to disrespect. This little being deserved the honor of its name being said out loud and celebrated.
The magic came just a few minutes after the morning meditation session ended, when one of our circle members sent me “Bird Watcher’s” name.
Meet the American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), previously known as the Water-Ouzel. The legendary naturalist John Muir loved this bird so much that he devoted an entire chapter to it in his book The Mountains of California:
He is the mountain streams’ own darling, the humming-bird of blooming waters, loving rocky ripple-slopes and sheets of foam as a bee loves flowers, as a lark loves sunshine and meadows. Among all the mountain birds, none has cheered me so much in my lonely wanderings, —none so unfailingly. For both in winter and summer he sings, sweetly, cheerily, independent alike of sunshine and of love, requiring no other inspiration than the stream on which he dwells. While water sings, so must he, in heat or cold, calm or storm, ever attuning his voice in sure accord; low in the drought of summer and the drought of winter, but never silent.
The American Dipper is a teacher we would all do well to follow. “For both in winter and summer he sings…”
To learn more about North America’s only truly aquatic songbird and hear a recording of its call visit https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Dipper/overview
“Bird Watcher” is available for purchase at damselwingsphotography.com
