What Birds Can Offer Us in Healing

I had never noticed an owl—until the year my first grandfather died. I remember leaving the funeral and seeing an owl perched on a stop sign outside my house. It seemed a family of owls had made a home somewhere near mine. Especially that year, and years following, I often saw the owl. I imagined the creature as my grandfather watching out for me and found it remarkable how at certain times the owl would appear. Since then, birds have held a special meaning to me.

I am not alone. Across cultures, specific species of birds have been assigned particular significance (Wyndham et al., 2018). In addition, millions of people assign their meanings to birds. In the Mediterranean and some European cultures, birds have been seen as signs. In addition, many religions honor birds with references to birds as spiritual messengers in texts such as the Bible and the Koran (Roque, 2010).

In Greek mythology, the mythical phoenix has held a metaphor of transformation, bursting into flames and rising from its ashes, reminding us of the cycles of birth and death. The stork has long been associated with life's beginnings, while some regard cardinals as a symbol of a visit from the deceased (Roque, 2010). The great psychoanalyst Carl Jung, who is known for his work in symbolism, metaphor, and exploration of what he called the collective unconscious, an almost mystical connection between people, is also known to have referenced birds in his works (Edwards, 2010).

Whether spiritual or not, I have found my time with birds therapeutic. To stop in awe of a creature flying free across the skies gives me space to reflect and focus. A qualitative study of 40 individuals who found meaning in a nature encounter found that many reported healing in grief and other areas as well as the ability to experience and process deep emotions (Dufrechou, 2004). This has been my observation as well.

Time among birds offers an opportunity to stand at one point in time inviting a moment of mindfulness. Nature has often been used in mindfulness and research suggests that nature-based therapy may reduce depression, stress, and anxiety (Kang et al., 2023).

A Practice

You don't have to participate in formal nature-based therapy to take in the joys of time among birds. Anyone can practice the following simple three-step mindfulness strategy.

1. Find a seat outside somewhere where you can hear or see birds

2. Set an alarm for five minutes and dedicate those five minutes to this experience. Put away all electronics.

3. Watch and listen in wonder. If your mind wanders toward worries, as minds do, refocus on the sights and sounds of the birds.

In Closing

Birds hold many meanings to people. Observation of birds through mindfulness and nature-based therapy may hold several mental health benefits, as well. Almost anyone can access this therapeutic experience.