Soul Humming
Hummingbird and Blue Suede Shoes salvia—Photo by Susan Izard
Dear Soul Friends,
Our six-year-old granddaughter is spending the week with us. Each night at dinner, we watch hummingbirds as they seek their evening meal. Their enchanting fleeting presence feels like a blessing.
Hummingbirds are a favorite bird of mine. Each year I have planted containers with colorful native plants hoping to encourage them to visit our yard. Some years ago, when I was in a garden center looking for plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, I saw a neighbor of mine who is a master gardener. She was looking for similar plants and informed me that hummingbirds particularly like Blue Suede Shoes salvia. It became a tradition to plant two large pots filled with the tall purple plants. All summer we watched for hummingbirds as they visited the flowers. One evening I captured the above image.
Hovering over a plant, hummingbird wings beat anywhere from 12 to 99 times per second, creating a humming sound as they seek nourishment. Whenever they show up, my family loves to watch them. There is something about hummingbirds that invites us to be still and listen. Now my granddaughter likes to look for them. This morning at breakfast, her face lit up as she announced, “I see a hummingbird.” We all instantly stopped to witness the beauty of the moment. It was a wonderful way to begin the day.
Humming is also a way of seeking calm. When we hum, our entire body relaxes. Try it. It only takes a minute. Keep your lips closed as you hum. Notice what happens as you feel the vibrations at the back of your throat. If humming does not work, try chanting “Om” or “Shalom.” The ancient ones knew that chanting a mantra was a way to center and seek inner harmony. It’s almost as though our vocal chords vibrate like hummingbird wings.
It’s fun to practice. If you’re anxious while sitting at a stop light in heavy traffic, hum. If you hear a piece of news that creates inner tension and despair, hum. If you are challenged by a health issue or a personal disappointment, hum. It will bring you back into your soul space and usher in peace.
As you go through your week, may you find a minute or two to hum. May you be blessed by inner calm and the gift of soul presence.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
