Little Wattlebird

I took this photo on a solo hike on Tharawal Country, NSW. I really love its depth and mood. It speaks to what I was going through at the time.

Despite intentionally choosing to hike alone, I was feeling a bit lonely, and even pining for some company. It can be such a fine line between loneliness and solitude sometimes.

When I spotted this Little Wattlebird, perched alone, I felt a nice little thread of connection. Perhaps it was feeling a tad flat-feathered and forlorn - like me. And so, I began speaking to it. "Hey there little mate, alone as well? 'Wattle' we do about our lack of company?" - or something along those lines, perhaps less punny given my mood.

As I continued walking, the conversation that started with the Little Wattlebird continued – it became a conversation with my self and with the world around me. I spoke to everything. The loneliness faded. It was replaced with the realisation that: I am never alone. I am always connected to nature, and to the essence of my own being. I need only point my attention there. Henceforth, I had the most wonderful hike .

In the words of Dr Seuss: "Whether you like it or not, alone is something you'll be quite a lot". The Little Wattlebird encourages us to find the fun, entertainment and nourishment that comes from conversations with ourselves and everything around us.

It also reminds us that time in solitude, especially in nature, is very valuable. It allows us to connect with and follow our intuition. It helps us shake the subtle pressures to conform to the expectations of those around us. It also allows us to be fully present to the natural world, which enables us to learn from it. That being, both the nature within us, and the nature that surrounds us.

Do you actively seek solitude? Do you find fun and meaning in conversation with yourself, and with the world around you? When were you last on your own in nature?

The Little Wattlebird 100% would recommend a solo hike.