The Feisty Sandpiper
I often start my week on Sunday mornings by walking along the beach to recenter and recharge. The tranquil sound of the waves always helps me release whatever is troubling me. As I finished my walk last Sunday, I approached a dozen or so sandpipers scurrying along the water’s edge. Suddenly, the story I shared a few years ago about a feisty little sandpiper popped into my head. It felt like a timely reminder, so I thought I’d share it again this week.
Here’s what I wrote in August of 2021:
While doing cool down stretches on Ormond Beach the other day, I was highly entertained by a group of sandpipers dodging waves and digging for tiny crustaceans in the sand. I noticed one sandpiper getting very irate whenever another bird got close to him. He puffed himself up and charged at the intruders to scare them away. He was relentless!
I have to give that little guy credit. It worked. He was able to keep the other sandpipers away from what he perceived as his territory, but at what cost? He was investing a lot of time and energy doing this instead of finding food for himself. It’s a big beach with plenty of crustaceans for all the sandpipers. Why was he so concerned about the other birds? None of the other sandpipers seemed to mind sharing the beach.
As I continued to watch the show, it occurred to me how many times I have acted similarly to that sandpiper. Instead of focusing on what I need to do, I’ve let myself be distracted by what others are doing. When I judge someone for what they did or did not do, I’m acting just like that sandpiper. If I stop thinking about the person or situation that is upsetting me and "mind my own becoming” as my friend Dr. Charles Geddes often says, I return to peace. And then I can do what is mine to do.
What a magnificent teacher (and unpleasant reflection) that feisty little sandpiper turned out to be. The next time I catch myself being more concerned with what someone else is doing rather than focusing on what I need to do, I’m going to picture that puffed-up little guy charging at his “enemies.” Hopefully, this amusing image will help me laugh at myself and put the focus back where it belongs.
With the upcoming election here in the U.S., there is no shortage of things to distract us and people we might perceive as “enemies.” During early voting, I cast my ballot for the candidates that best represent my values. Now, the most helpful and healthy thing I can do is encourage others to do the same and stay focused on the peaceful outcome I desire.
On that same beach walk, I also listened to the latest episode of Jennifer Hadley’s LivingA Course in Miracles podcast. I find her explanations and personal stories very helpful in bringing me back to peace. In this episode, she referenced Workbook Lesson 34 from A Course in Miracles. It’s one of my favorites.
I could see peace instead of this.
My amazingly talented friend, Karen Drucker, wrote a song with her husband based on this lesson. Click here to have a listen. Music is a great way to get us out of our head and back into our heart. My Karen Drucker Playlist is my go-to when I need a dose of joy and inspiration. You can find her songs on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, her website, or wherever you listen to music.
And if you find yourself being like that feisty little sandpiper, it would be my great honor to help you put the focus back on you and return to peace. Maybe now is the perfect time to schedule a Spiritual Coaching Session, Series of Sessions, or a Private Family Constellations Session. Please look around my website for more information about both or click here to book a session. I look forward to walking with you a while.
Until next time, I invite you to be a peaceful little sandpiper and focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
“I’m no longer curious about things that will upset me.”
~ Louise Hay