Duck Wisdom on Finding Freedom
Hands up if you would like to feel freer and more liberated this year?
What do you think about when you’re out walking in nature?
I think one of the aspects that draws me outside is the sense of freedom I feel. There is something about the fresh air on my cheeks, the open spaces around me and the supportive energy from the alive earth under my feet that makes me feel expansive through connection.
On this particular walk near Frensham in Surrey, I had packed my rucksack with plenty of water, snacks and my notebook, intending to make a day of it. I settled on a riverbank for a peaceful snack spot and noticed a duck sitting not far from me, staring out over the gently flowing river.
In my own meditative state, I opened a heart communication channel and invited a conversation with him. Admiring all the beautiful colours in his feathers reflecting in the sunlight - the greens, blues and violets all shimmering together. It really was a conversation and like I was getting advice direct from Source. I’ve transcribed the conversation here with the intention of helping you unlock your own path to a greater sense of peace and freedom.
The Heart Explorations will naturally help you go within and explore what’s in your way of your own sense of freedom at this time in your life. They invite gentle reflection and in so doing can unlock what is blocking you from living your liberated life, your way.
Duck: In oneness we are together, together as one. We choose to be together. As it brings joy, peace and comfort.
Duck: What do you seek in your heart?
Me: Freedom.
Duck: Then choose what freedom is for you.
Me: Freedom is truly a state of mind that leads to a state of being.
Duck: So how can you be more free?
Me: I find freedom in nature, freedom feels like openness and space.
Duck: A reflection or mirror of how your mind is, then?
Me: Oh! Yes.
Duck: What does the river reflect to you?
Me: To allow emotions to flow through me. To trust that what flows through me makes space for more to come to me - a constant flow of release and receive.
Duck: What joys can you experience in this process?
Me: Focusing on the bird song, the snowdrops growing on the riverbank, the catkins growing on the trees, the Robin arriving to play, the breeze gently creating movement, the ripples of the water soothing, the sounds of rushing and trickling of water at the same time.
Duck: The emotions flow and release through you at the same time. Isn't it easier to allow when you focus on the joy that is also there? You do not (and cannot) control the flow, but you can choose what to focus on. And when you do, more of that becomes available to you. As you focus on the bird song, you're senses began exploring for more and different experiences of joy. Even as you're writing, your senses continue to seek and search out more because you know the infinite possibilities. This dear one, is the feeling of abundance. The feeling of freedom in its infinite possibilities and limitless nature.
Make your nest and allow your mind to focus and wonder on the infinite joys available for you to experience from there. You do not have to stay in this nest forever, only for as long as it serves you.
Trust and surrender, dear one - follow your mind’s joy, for it is aligned to heart and body and soul.
Heart Explorations
What does freedom feel like for you, and how would you describe its essence?
Explore both the emotional and physical sensations that come up for you.What experiences, activities, people, places create feelings of joy, peace, happiness, freedom for you? How can you create more of this in your life?
What does the idea of “flow” mean to you, and how do you allow emotions or experiences to flow through you? And where are you holding on?
Reflect on your ability to release and receive, just like a river flows, and how this contributes to your sense of freedom.What aspects of nature or your surroundings reflect how you want your mind to be? Recall times when you’ve been around rivers, birdsong, breezes, trees, mountains, oceans and beaches and how they align with the freedom you seek?
What new perspectives can you now observe or sense that can help you become freer in your mind and thinking?
Life can feel overwhelming often, what do you choose to focus on when life feels overwhelming? How can shifting your focus create more space for peace, space and abundance?
What infinite possibilities can you imagine if you let go of control and trust in the process? Gift yourself the freedom of daydreaming - it’s so powerful!
What kind of “nest” can you create for yourself to explore freedom and joy safely? How will you know when it’s time to move on from it?