Little birds — sparrows, juncos, chickadees — dance at the feeder, filling their bellies. A red-tailed hawk hides in the trees at the back of the pond, waiting patiently as snow and wind whirl and howl. I wonder if he is contemplating the animal tracks in the snow and on the ice, hoping to manifest breakfast. Pema Chödrön said, “Give up all hope of fruition,” because hope robs us of the present moment. The hawk abandons hope and swoops. Breakfast has arrived.
Bountiful Healing 
I love the little birds, would also love the hawk and I know he/she needs to survive, but here where I live I look after the little ones more.
I look after the little ones, too, Val. The hawk does a good job of cleaning out some of the mice and voles, as well as rabbits (who nibble away at our garden) and skunks. There always seems to be a good balance out there. I haven’t yet noticed a shortage of mice, voles, rabbits or skunks. It’s rare for the hawk to go after the little birds, although I know it happens.
I love Pema. I am still learning, every day, to be in the present.
Me too, Carla. Me too. I had a big lesson regarding hope and being in the present while out skiing today. Now all I have to do is let it sink in. 🙂
Wow – I love those words. I have a tough time with the present – now I know how to deal with it. Let go of hope and just live. So glad you posted this! ❤
Thank you so much, Stacy. 🙂 (And I fixed that typo for you.)