July 2024 ~ Full Moon

 

 

We've had seagulls nesting in our housing coop for several years. This year there were 2 seagull chicks instead of 1. The racket, smell, and the bird-shit outweigh the cuteness factor.

They both fell off the roof where they hatched, into our garden. The last one to leave the nest seemed quite happy in the wee haven we have... the parents even stopped swooping us when we went to empty the compost, put laundry on, and get wood for the fire (yes in July!).

Now and again it half-flapped its wings and then settled back down cosily. I started to wonder if it was OK, if we should call the RSPCA.

A few nights ago, once the road outside between our Coop and Findhorn Bay was quiet (it's never exactly busy!) we decided to let it go. We opened the gates, cajoled, ushered, and insisted it leave. It got scared and began to run. We'd hoped it would go down to the sea, where there's plenty of food to eat, but it began to run up the road. As it ran away from us, it gathered speed and to our astonishment, maybe its own too.. suddenly it was up in the air flying, and off it went, reeling and screeching with all the other gulls, presumably to be found by its mum and dad. 

When it took off, we gasped. It was so surprising and yet utterly obvious at the same time.

Do you know moments like this in your life?
For me, I was reminded of moments in my journey of being a parent and of teaching; moments where I choose a song, an exercise, an instruction that I 'sense' is outside the comfort zone of some of the group, and yet I feel it so keenly I follow the instinct. I've learned over the decades to trust the timing of those moments. It's become non-negotiable. Frequently what unfolds, like the opening of the seagull's wings are moments of freewheeling, and whether it's on the dance floor or in life it is the sweetest thing to participate in.

There are plenty of opportunities below to come freewheel; stay close to what brings you ease and comfort, spread your wings, and grow into a new version of yourself. 

Ps. The fork was there from some earlier weeding, honest :)

 

You can view the rest of my July full moon newsletter here.