With high heat combined with non-existent snow pack, the Lewis River here in Washington state is extremely low. It’s changed animal and avian habits and possibly habitats. We have a pair of Eagles who fish daily in front of the cabin, Hawks and Ospreys who squawk, dive and sail and over twenty hummingbirds who drink deeply of the three Sanders’ feeders. Normally they don’t hang this near when we have a lake before us. Weather patterns have definitely continued to shift and alter the landscape and habitats. My feeling is the earth is just a wee-bit cranky with us for a multitude of sins, but that’s another story.

I hike regularly on a nearby logging road across the lake from our off-grid cabin, now turned river. Each time I hike I’m rewarded with a rare and special treat: A beautiful buzzard follows me on my entire walk. There are several options hiking. One is just above the water line, whereas several others climb the mountain at fairly steep grades. When I take these options, I’m actually higher than “Jonathan” – I named him today-. I feel as if I could reach out and touch his feathers, float on the wind currents with him and scour the water for life below.

As I continue to walk, I talk to him, sending mind messages as well as singing to him. He watches intently. Eventually other buzzards flock, however they remain aloof, afar and definitely not interested, whereas Jonathan hangs nearby, flying in soft circles around me. (Buzzards are incredibly smart creatures. Their brain power and abilities to understand are remarkable – ask any avarian expert who has worked and trained with them.) Today I had this feeling, this moment of recognition, of conversation with him, when I truly realized he was more than his friends, more than most typical birds. He had reached beyond.

I believe animals, birds, all life literally, have the ability to expand, be more and evolve their consciousness much like humans have the ability for greater consciousness. Each has its own blueprint, it’s own identity. They can through time and temperament expand their being-ness. Or not of course. If you think about it, you’ll remember or know special dogs, cats, horses etc in the animal kingdom that were/are far beyond a typical dog or cat or rabbit or horse. They are more than ~ they have more consciousness. They are evolving. And as they evolve, they light the way for others to see beyond the horizon, much like our spiritual mentors and teachers, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Mohammed onward, to the unsung spiritual guides, who have helped shape humanity.

If you’ve never read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, I recommend it. It’s a wonderful journey of discovery as seen through the eyes of Jonathan, the insightful seagull. As for my Jonathan, I look forward to journeying with him further up the mountain. And when he starts sharing his perspective with me, I’ll be happy to elucidate.

Cosmic sunshine to you.