Wellness and the Birds
July 5, 2008
3:05 pm
annie
Uncategorized
As I have my morning coffee on the back porch and take in the sounds just after dawn I marvel at the sounds and what an early morning symphony of nature it can be. It is by no means quiet, as birds are chirping and crickets rubbing their legs together. There are the roosters announcing that another day is beginning. But of all of these it is the mocking bird that is most enchanting to me. Before they begin to exchange sounds with me they make a metallic sound, somewhat like “ boingggg! boinnnggg!” and at other times sound like an annoying cell phone. It is my understanding that these are male mockingbirds who are trying to attract a mate with these peculiar sounds. They are also trying to copy other birds and are sometimes annoying with their mocking over and over again.
I may have mentioned before that as part of my manic self I love to make noises and match nature sounds. But the exchange with the mocking bird does not come from one of my polarities. It is one of the more enjoyable and healthy things I do on most mornings. I actually love to do bird calls of all kinds. Mocking bird has a special place for me in all bird sounds. Perhaps it is because I get a response back from the creatures and I feel that I am not alone and have made a connection. I do hope I am not confusing the male mocking birds by mocking back at them. Maybe one of you knows and could let me know? But then maybe I like to keep my own interpretation of my experience with mocking birds. They seem as happy with me as I am with them. And despite their reputation of having a song named for them and even a movie, they fill my world with a simple bonding, each morning, on my back porch.
July 6th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Annie,
I love it that you make sounds like birds. While it may be manic to you, I think it’s just great.
I play lots of music when I’m hypomanic. In years past, I’ve taken accordion, ukulele, and banjo lessons during hypomanias. Now, I play the Autoharp, electric guitar, recorder, and Xaphoon (look it up online; it sounds like a mini tenor-sax).
If there’s one thing about this “illness” I treasure, it’s my musical hypomanias. Because you live in “nature,” maybe that’s why yours “present themselves” as bird calls.
Susan
July 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I’ve never heard of someone imitating a bird while manic – what a wonderful raw expression of nature and what it means to you. I wonder if when you are depressed you get an almost spiritual uplifting from the same natural sounds. I’m so glad you have this connection to nature – I bet you just wouldn’t be you without this connection.
July 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Susan, It seems that we have a connection with music and bird calls. It is a true gift of nature to have musical sounds of all kinds.Peace Annie
July 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
C-Thanks for your insightful post. I don’t get a similar experience with sounds when I am depressed. I can be reflective after being depressed but not during. You are right it is such a part of me I wouldn’t be the same without it.
Peace, Annie
July 9th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Nature is the greatest healer.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Amanda, I agree, it so simple and yet son profound. Thanks. Annie
July 9th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I garden in the rain, clean at 3 am, dance when I do clean, throw dogs in the bath tubs with children afraid of water etc etc etc. I do not believe in normal or orderly any longer
July 10th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Raine, what beautiful comments. I agree, I resist the ordinary. Thanks for the delightful words! Annie
November 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Many saints have written about birds they are like the soul.
I am doing a bit of work for a non-profit group about free care clinics and somehow found your writing entries.