Newsletter Articles written by Tera Thomas
Issue 31
Time in a Bottle
by Tera Thomas
We humans are obsessed with time—how much we have, how much we don’t have, how much we need, how to use the time we are allotted wisely. Time becomes particularly important to us when we are nearing the end of life with one of our animal friends and it suddenly seems as if time is running out.
Here’s what my cat Tuli Bear says: “People measure everything in time—how much there is to go, what you have left, how little there seems to be. Cats don’t think like this so we don’t really like being told that we are aging or that our time is limited. The truth is, everyone in a physical body has limited time, but why limit yourself by thinking of it that way? Why not focus instead on the joys of having each day. It is a miracle every day when the sun comes up. And deeply loving another being is also a miracle. Have a catnip party, or lie in a sunspot together, just love each other every single day.”
We talk about living our lives one day at a time, behaving as if each day is our last so that we can squeeze every ounce of pleasure out of the life we have been given. But even that is a kind of measure. We set tasks for ourselves, makes lists of goals, determine the things we want to do before the time runs out. So the very act of behaving as if each day is our last can become it’s own limitation.
Animals have the gift of living right now, in the present, not in the future or in the past. They don’t measure the days to see how old they are getting or how much time is left. They live in the presence of life and the presence of death at the same time.
Recently, after receiving a terminal diagnosis from the vet, one of my clients was facing the imminent death of her beloved feline friend. The cat was unconcerned about the news and said: “Nothing has really changed. We never know for sure how long we will be physically present. Every instant holds the possibility of death. The only difference is that now you are consciously aware of that fact.”
How would our lives be enriched if we were able to consciously allow our life and our death to co-exist in each moment? Without thinking we have to do some-thing about it. It would take us to that desired place of just being we humans find so difficult to get to and so frightening to dwell in.
Measuring and quantifying keeps us limited. Perhaps the mere fact that animals don’t normally measure things is what gives them the edge in the ability to just be. I love to watch my dogs. Whatever they are doing, sleeping or playing, they are totally immersed in it. Dogs have a great capacity for gusto. They don’t get it when we say things like, “there’s not enough time for a walk.” Or, “it’s not time to eat yet.” What??!!
My dog Max suggests putting time in a bottle. Not to save it for later the way it is written in a song, but to get it out of our consciousness in the limiting way we are used to thinking about it. He says that if it’s in a bottle on a shelf, we can take it out when we need to know when to go to work, or when to meet someone for lunch, but we don’t have to keep that bottle open so we’re thinking about it every moment. That way there is always time for a walk and you can eat whenever you want to.
I think Max has a point. I have noticed that when I’m not watching the clock, time loses importance. When I slow down somehow I create more of it. I love it when I’m in a space that is not noticing time at all. That is where I am most present and where I have more moments with those I love. I’m going to try Max’s bottle idea and put time up on a shelf for a while. Then all time will be now, and all time will be forever, and all of my relationships with my beloved friends will be eternal.
Check Out Our New Website!!!
The old Hummingbird Farm website was wonderful and has served us for several years. I’m excited to announce that on June 21st we are launching the brand new, updated, totally cool Hummingbird Farm website—same address, new format, new photos, new products and information. The site will be updated monthly so visit it a lot and always find something new!
Ask the Animals
The Animals Speak section of the website was always my favorite. The new website is easy for even non-geeks like me to add new information so I will be able to post the new questions and answers monthly. Go to “Ask the Animals” at www.hummingbirdfarm.org to ask your question. It will be answered on the website so don’t forget to go back and check for it.
I’m excited to bring this section back to life and I’m kicking it off with a question that came to Rainbow:
Sharyn asks: What is it like for animals to be with humans who don't and/or aren't able to hear the communications from their animal friends?
Rainbow: All humans can hear communications from their animal friends. We don’t use a verbal language; we understand our world through feelings, impulses, and energetic vibrations. Every living being at some level understands these same signals. Long ago when humans developed a spoken language they pushed this more subtle language of feelings deep inside and forgot it. But their soul did not forget and so even though it may not be on a conscious level, humans speak our language. Of course, when the human is conscious of this communication and opens to their connection with all other species, the communications can become clearer. In other words, some humans are more fluent than others.
Think of a person who speaks only English going to a country where English is not understood. There are ways to communicate what is necessary through gestures, eye movements, even pointing. It may be a little awkward, but it works. It is the same with humans and their animal friends. Anyone who has a relationship with an animal, communicates with that animal, and the animal communicates back to the person. We make ourselves understood when it is necessary. So, don’t feel sorry for any of us who have human companions who are not consciously aware of our common language. We do quite well and we are happy to make wild gestures to get our point across to our human friend. It can be funny at times; even frustrating at times, but in the end, the communication gets through.
We love our human friends, no matter what their level of consciousness or communication. Love is love, and no matter what method of expression is used, it transcends all language and fills our hearts and our lives.
Wish List
The economy has hit Hummingbird Farm just as it’s hit everyone else. We have a lot of love here, a lot of beauty, and a lot of harmony, but we don’t have much in the way of cash and we really need some help.
New Barn Doors—The large access barn doors were nearly ripped off their hinges during a windstorm and they are currently kept hanging and closed with a 2x4. We need to replace them with hanging/sliding doors (a much better idea for doors of this size). The cost is approximately $1,500.
Industrial Ceiling Fan for Barn—The barn is extremely hot in the summer and we want to install a ceiling fan to pull the hot air up and out. Cost of the fan plus installation is approximately $400.
Repair of Golf Cart—We actually did get a golf cart, but it needs a lot of work to get it running. $500
New Roof for Storage Building—We covered the damage with shingles, but the actual roof structure is rotted and needs to be replaced. $2,500
Small Fence Around Feeding Shed—This could even be metal corral panels, but we need something to keep me from being killed by over-enthusiastic goats and llamas when I’m trying to get their food. I also can’t clean the feed shed unless I get everyone locked in the barn so I can keep the shed door open. $400
New Lawn Tractor—We mow about 10 acres weekly with a 20-year-old lawn tractor. Last year it cost over $1,000 to keep it going. It’s cost $400 in repairs already this year. A new one with a guarantee would be so fantastic! $4,000
These are just a few of the things we need. We also just need help with money to feed everyone and to pay the mortgage and bills.
The way to get big things accomplished is to do them together! There are 1,600 people on the mailing list. If everyone on the list sent whatever they could afford, even a small amount, it would add up to a lot of help. Together we can make anything happen!
Hummingbird Farm belongs to everyone: the Earth, the animals, and the humans. We are inclusive rather than exclusive—you get to be a part of Hummingbird Farm just because you want to. It doesn’t take a cent to join us, yet we are asking for your contribution to help us thrive. We are grateful beyond measure for you.
A Big Thank You
To all the friends who donated money, tools, food, hard work, and time, thank you so much!
Laura Thomas
Pat Cockrell
Barry Taylor
Beth Grooms
Sudie Rakusin
Lauryn Boyd
Patti Henningsen
Candy Austin
Edie Evans
Calley Gerber
Holly Spain
Regina Ali
Leslie Mann Celik
Diane LaPenna
Polly Lazaron in memory of Boule and Tigger and in memory of Missy, Sassyfrass & Malcolm
Dana Brown
Diana Tripp
Shannon Gross
Lori Ghosal
Kathleen Gallagher
Gina Gallucci in honor of Maddi
Cherry Lea
Naomi Weiss
Heidi Thompson in memory of Tigger and Thelma
Nancy Mullins
Gina Hyde
Phyllis Maritz in tribute to Phoebe
Gregory Mulinare
Elfie Knect
Angelina Corbet in loving memory of Zeke, feline assistant to Bea Quirk
If your name was left off of this list, please forgive the omission and know that we are grateful.
We are also grateful to those of you who continually send us your kind thoughts and prayers. You are also a part of Hummingbird Farm and we thank you so very much!!!
Learning from Animal Teachers: A Path to Conscious Connection with All Beings
The deepest lessons and the most profound knowledge in my life has come from animals. I have a great passion for sharing what they have taught me. The classes at Hummingbird Farm will take you on a journey deep into your own heart to renew your connection with all of life. The animals, the land, and I look forward to meeting you soon. -- Tera
Awakening Your Connection through Animal Communication: July 19 & 20, October 4 & 5
Embracing All Species: November 8 & 9
Celebrating Our Connection: June 21 & 22
Living in Partnership: September 20 & 21
Deepening Your Connection Teleclass: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. EDT June 26, July 24
For more detailed descriptions of the classes, please visit the website: www.hummingbirdfarm.org
Volunteer Work Days & Ceremonies: Come lend a hand on a workday and spend time with the HF land and animals. These days are weather dependent. For reservations and info contact Lauryn at lollybubble65@comcast.net.
5thAnnual Open Farm: October 18th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Time to Meditate
The Summer Solstice is a perfect time to imagine a world where all beings know they are connected and work together with mutual respect and harmony. Please take a moment to join with us to focus on this vision of peace.
Saturday, June 21st
8-8:30 pm EDT and 5-5:30 pm PDT
“Hug yourself. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how beautiful you are. Love yourself. When you embrace your own unique self you are telling all the world how grateful you are to be here, and that makes all species want to share their own beautiful selves with you. We are all beautiful. Remember that.” – Maia (a beautiful cat)
Hummingbird Farm is a 49-acre learning center and inspirational sanctuary where animals, humans, and the earth work in partnership. We are dedicated to deepening the understanding, respect, communication, and relationship between all living beings and the natural world around us. We are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Hummingbird Farm, P. O. Box 1603, Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 742-5929. www.hummingbirdfarm.org
