I pray to the birds. I pray to the birds because I believe they will carry the messages of my heart upward. I pray to them because I believe in their existence, the way their songs begin and end each day-the invocations and benedictions of Earth. I pray to the birds because they remind me of what I love rather than what I fear. And at the end of my prayers, they teach me how to listen.
Terry Tempest Williams reflects on her unique prayers to birds, believing they serve as messengers for her heartfelt thoughts. She finds solace and strength in the birds' songs, which mark the beginnings and endings of each day, offering both invocation and blessing to the Earth. Her prayers are a connection to her passions and joys, steering her away from fear and uncertainty.
Through this practice, Williams emphasizes the importance of listening, as the birds guide her to tune into the world around her. The act of praying to them becomes a way of fostering a deeper appreciation for life and nature, reminding her of the beauty present in everyday moments.
