May You Uplift Others (The Songbirds): Use Your Voice
Oct 10, 2024
Have you ever had a teacher or mentor who inspired you? Do you let yourself be helped? Are you yourself a helper, coach or guide? Songbirds serve as wisdom teachers in the opening parables of Girl in the Woods as the central character, Timberella, recovers from the Great Storm.
If you’ve had (or currently have) experienced uplifting counsel or support from another, you might have noticed that they are intelligent and humble. Perhaps they had an energy that felt safe, kind. What was your experience of this person? Have you ever considered your role or presence when it comes to helping others?
On Finding Your Purpose
In the Girl in the Woods, the songbirds appear out of the forest, imparting various wisdom teachings to the hero, Timberella. Cumulatively, she learns that she has a gift to share with others; she should avoid black-and-white thinking; she is encouraged to choose empowerment over victimhood; and she is reminded that she is whole.
Meanwhile, she questions whether or not she herself is a songbird. She questions what her gifts are, and wonders in what way she will share them with the world.
ART & JOURNAL Prompts
Here are questions for consideration:
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Do you feel purposeful and fulfilled? If so, what does this mean for you? If not, what is blocking you?
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Do you believe in service to self and others?
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Who has offered support and guidance to you in your times of need?
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Do you seek help, or allow yourself to be helped? -OR-
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Do you reject support, and try to address challenges by yourself?
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What type of guidance and support do you need right now?
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Are you, or have you been, someone else’s songbird?
ART PROMPTS (choose 1): Create a songbird (in any 2- or 3-d media) -OR- create an image representing “selfless service.” Journal with the artwork, asking it directly:
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What wisdom does it have to share?
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What 1-3 specific actions can you take to connect with, and express your gifts more fully in this world?
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Then, ask your image: Does it have anything else to share?
Pro art therapy tip: Trying answering these questions with your non-dominant hand.
Use Your Voice To Uplift Others
The songbirds remind us that even the smallest birds have big, powerful voices. Each one owns an identifiable song. You, too, have a unique perspective. Honor that your point of view is important! Use your voice! Consider that it needs to be heard by at least one other.
Alternatively, if you’re in your head, too busy, or too proud to hear the songbirds, perhaps it’s time you take a pause.
Click below to receive a FREE copy of the Girl in the Woods Parables, which explore the wisdom teaching associated with each of the six Timberellas.
