Zen moments in the wild

by Bill Tiepelman

Sparrow's Rainy Refuge

It was a misty morning in the heart of Missouri, where birdwatchers gathered like secret agents on a mission. The local nature reserve buzzed with anticipation as whispers of an unusually vibrant flock of sparrows circulated among the seasoned observers. Everyone had their binoculars at the ready, their thermoses filled with questionable “coffee,” and their rain jackets shielding them from the ever-dramatic November drizzle. Amid the damp chaos, a peculiar little sparrow perched on a low branch, smugly sheltered under a single, glistening leaf. This bird wasn’t just surviving the rain; it was thriving. Let’s call him Chip. Chip had the kind of confidence you’d expect from a sparrow who knew the juiciest worms hid in the soft soil after a storm. A Feathered Philosopher While the rain drummed a rhythmic tattoo on the surrounding leaves, Chip tilted his head and gazed into the storm. He seemed to ponder life’s great mysteries—or maybe he was just deciding whether the leaf would hold up another five minutes. For the birdwatchers huddled below, Chip’s serene pose transformed into something of a spectacle. “He’s like a zen master,” whispered Carla, a frequent visitor to the reserve. “Look at him, embracing the rain and still finding calm.” “Zen master?” snorted Jerry, the self-proclaimed expert of the group. “That sparrow’s just trying to keep his feathers dry. If he’s so enlightened, why isn’t he in a nest?” Chip chirped as if in retort, shaking droplets off his wings with a flair that suggested Jerry’s skepticism had been duly noted. The Storm Within the Storm As Chip continued his one-bird rain meditation, a sudden gust of wind ripped the leaf from its branch. The sparrow froze, his umbrella of serenity now tumbling skyward. A collective gasp erupted from the watchers below. Would Chip panic? Would he flee? Would he— “Oh, he’s just flying to the next leaf,” muttered Jerry, unimpressed as the sparrow glided gracefully to a new perch. But Carla was captivated. “He’s a survivor,” she said. “He adapts. He reminds me that sometimes we need to embrace change.” “Or he reminds us to carry a better raincoat,” Jerry quipped, zipping his jacket higher as the drizzle intensified. Life Lessons from a Sparrow For the rest of the morning, Chip continued to be the star of the show. He hopped from branch to branch, finding inventive ways to stay dry and, occasionally, taunting the humans below with his unapologetic freedom. Every time the rain seemed to grow heavier, Chip would fluff his feathers and shake himself off, a tiny defiance against the storm. As the birdwatchers finally packed up their soggy gear, Carla turned to Jerry. “You know, maybe we all need a little Chip in our lives. A reminder to weather the storm, find shelter when we need it, and shake it off when things get tough.” Jerry chuckled. “Maybe. Or maybe we just need to bring a thermos of something stronger next time.” The Sparrow's Refuge Back on his branch, Chip watched the humans trudge away, their laughter echoing faintly through the woods. The sparrow fluffed his feathers one last time and nestled under his new leaf, content to ride out the storm. As the rain eased into a soft drizzle, he chirped a quiet song—one of triumph, resilience, and just a hint of smug satisfaction. For Chip, the rain was not an obstacle but an opportunity. And for those who watched him, his rainy refuge was a reminder that even in the storms of life, a little creativity—and perhaps a well-placed leaf—can make all the difference.    Bring "Sparrow's Rainy Refuge" Into Your Home If you’ve been inspired by Chip’s resilience and charm, why not bring a piece of his story into your life? Explore these exclusive products featuring "Sparrow's Rainy Refuge": Cross-Stitch Pattern – Create your own tribute to Chip with this intricate and rewarding craft project. Poster – A stunning addition to any wall, capturing the serene beauty of this moment. Tapestry – Bring elegance to your space with this vibrant and detailed wall hanging. Puzzle – Piece together the magic of "Sparrow's Rainy Refuge" with this engaging and meditative activity. Tote Bag – Carry Chip’s inspiration wherever you go with this stylish and practical accessory. Discover these and more at Unfocussed.com, where creativity meets nature.