A tiny blue jay flew upon my window ledge as I stood and watched the rain beginning to fall. I noticed pieces of straw in its claws. This little blue jay was looking for a safe place to build a nest. "Was my ledge of window to be her safe haven to build a nest?" I thought to myself, getting excited.
Days passed, and she never came back. My little ledge was but a place to rest in the rain. I loved knowing that, but I couldn't help but feel saddened too. It made me wonder why I was feeling what I was feeling. One could say I am not enjoying the moment, the experience of this little bird landing on my windowsill to pause from the rain. But it's within these moments that sometimes help bring awareness to the parts of ourselves needing a little extra love and attention, and often healing.
In that moment, I realized that I had been longing for a connection, for a deeper sense of belonging and safety, which is intrinsic to our human experience. It has been true for me. As someone who has moved to a new city where time has seemed to have stopped and speed up all at once, divorced, and become an empty nester, I have come to understand that loneliness is not merely the absence of company, but rather the absence of feeling truly seen and understood, as well as the desire to love and be loved.
It is in those moments, like the little blue jay, that we wish for someone to find solace and choose to build their nest near us, to make us their safe haven, feeling safe ourselves, that we glimpse at the impact we can have on each other's lives, speaking in metaphors here. We wish to create a space of mutual trust and acceptance, where we can find refuge and nurture our dreams together. I believe it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling roles we can embrace on our spiritual journey.
Just as the little bird's absence revealed the depths of my longing, it also reminded me of the immense joy and purpose that come from being a source of warmth and security for others. It also reminded me that combating loneliness and fostering deep and meaningful connections takes time and effort and that it's important to be patient and kind to ourselves in the process.