By Claudia
Lately, I have been feeling light, almost as if I can float. I feel calm and happy, like time is moving slowly. I asked Gemini the name for this feeling, and it said it is called euthymia, a “flow state,” or simply the optimal self-regulation of the nervous system.
I volunteered to bring flowers for last Sunday’s Zazen-kai. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but right at the entrance, there are many little white daisies. By 7:30 AM, most of them are still sleeping, but by 9:00 AM, they are wide open. My grandma’s name was Margarita, which translates to Margaret or daisy. Every morning, I say good morning to the daisies in the garden and say goodbye when I leave. Last Sunday, since it was my turn to bring flowers, I cut a few blooms from my tree to bring to Zazen-kai. I also cut a daisy from the entrance and invited my grandma to join me in this meditation.
I decided to meditate with my eyes open. It was a beautiful day, and I saw a hummingbird in the distance catching insects right in front of me. I also looked at the two big redwood trees that stand like guardians at the park’s entrance, watching over everything day and night.
Right before our mid-Zazen-kai session, I looked around the room. Everyone was focused on their breathing and doing their own inner work. All the sudden, a hummingbird entered the room. There was an open spot between Jen and someone else, and the hummingbird took it, flying completely still in midair. It stayed for a while. I wanted to tell everyone that there was a hummingbird inside, but of course, I stayed silent. Instead, I remained there and watched it fly away, and then I closed my eyes to finish my meditation.
On my way back home, I looked up what it means when hummingbirds show up in your life, and two answers came up. The first was very rational: the season of the year in Saratoga and the fact that we are in their natural habitat.
The other definition focused on life symbolism:
- Presence and Lightness
- Resilience and Energy
- Messengers and Spiritual Connection: Across various traditions (such as the Mexica with Huitzilopochtli, or the Maya), they are regarded as messengers of good omens, visits from departed loved ones, or signs that you are aligned with the right path.
It made my day. I invited my grandma to join me, and she sent a hummingbird into the room. It also aligned deeply with how I feel: balanced and grounded. Even though I sometimes question whether I will make it, signs are sent my way confirming that I am on the right path.
In quantum physics, there is this thing called the Observer Effect, which essentially shows that the very act of observing something changes what you see.
To me, it means that whatever you look for, you will find. I choose to look for happiness and gratitude in everything and everywhere. Some days it is easy; other days it is very hard. But by the end of the day, I managed to find at least one little thing.
If you look for it, you will find it—just make sure to look for the right thing!
Thank you.
Hakone Zendo 