Chapter 1: The Unexpected Encounter

As I was observing a red-tailed hawk gliding gracefully below me, an unusual event unfolded. Residing in a high-rise apartment on the outskirts of town, I am fortunate to witness an array of birdlife, including majestic hawks, ospreys, blue herons, and a colorful variety of smaller birds that fill the air with their songs.

Many of us have seen smaller birds aggressively pursue a larger bird of prey, dive-bombing it in a show of bravery. On this occasion, I witnessed this phenomenon from an elevated vantage point. A little red-winged blackbird trailed closely behind the hawk, engaging in its typical dive-and-peck antics. But then, to my utter surprise, the blackbird did something extraordinary—it perched on the hawk's back for a brief ride!

I could hardly process what I was witnessing. To further convince me of its authenticity, the blackbird circled back and took another short ride. If you find this hard to believe, a quick search online will reveal that this behavior is indeed known; we often miss it from our usual ground-level perspective.

This fearless little bird sparked a realization in me. It made me contemplate my own fears and consider whether I could similarly "hitch a ride" on them. Instead of being trapped in a cycle of anxiety, what if I could leverage those fears to propel myself forward?

As an art instructor for adults, I’ve encountered many individuals who hesitate to express their creativity, despite feeling an inner calling. Fear of judgment or failure often holds them back. Yet, embracing the role of a beginner requires immense courage.

Here are some encouraging thoughts for anyone feeling stuck:

• Even the most renowned artists, musicians, and actors began as novices. They didn't arrive on the scene fully formed; they started from scratch, just like everyone else.
• The creative community is generally supportive. Most artists and students you encounter will be eager to cheer you on in your journey.
• Failure is an integral part of the creative process for everyone. Embracing creativity fosters growth and learning, keeping the mind engaged rather than stagnant.

Through my 25 years of teaching art, I have learned that overcoming the fear of engaging in creative pursuits—be it singing, dancing, painting, or acting—can lead to a joyful and fulfilling experience.

What resonated with me while watching that fearless little red-winged blackbird was the sense of joy it seemed to experience.

Section 1.1: The Beauty of Nature

Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing Fear

Chapter 2: Lessons from the Bird World

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources, such as the antics of a small bird.

The first video, One Little Bird by Patty Zeitlin, captures the essence of small creatures overcoming challenges, similar to the little blackbird’s daring adventure.

The second video, One Little Bird | Nursery Rhymes for Children, provides a delightful exploration of themes related to bravery and creativity for younger audiences.