Walking with the Oriole: Lessons from the Wild
It's high summer, and while others may seek shelter from the heat, my soul says, “Let’s go.” Sweat pours down my back, but there’s something deep within me that calls me forward. I walk, my feet making contact with the warm, sandy soil beneath me, the rhythm of each step grounding me in this wild place. The sun beats down relentlessly, yet I find solace in the shade gifted by the trees, their leaves rustling gently in the wind.
Every step I take is intentional, mindful, and alert. There is so much life around me, and I am grateful for every moment in it. As I gaze down at the path before me, I notice the tracks of those who have walked here before me—Civet tracks from the night before, zebra tracks headed toward the riverbed to graze on the lush grasses, and the tracks of creatures that stir a humbling sense of awe within me, like the Leopard and Hyena.
I enjoy walking in the late afternoon, as the sun reflects warm blush tones off the grasses. Amidst the vast wilderness, it is the birds that often draw my attention. Many of them have already nestled in for the night, but there is always one bird that I can count on to walk with me—the Oriole.
The Oriole’s song resonates in the quiet, offering a message that comforts my spirit: the worst is over. The storm will clear, and a bright sky will emerge with the sunrise of a new day. Life’s greatest challenges may come, but the inner strength we gain through them will sustain us for years to come. The Oriole encourages me to meditate, to find the words or sounds that empower me, to use them as a mantra that will guide me through life’s ups and downs.
I see my grandmother in the Oriole, she is who speaks these words and guides me. I have an overwhelming sense of comfort when the Oriole comes in my presence ever since her passing. I know this because of a gift she once gave me of a quote that reads, “Here’s to Strong Women. May we know them, May we be them, May we raise them.”
This bird carries a deeper lesson: how to communicate clearly, simply, and brightly—avoiding misunderstandings, ensuring that our messages land as they are meant to. The Oriole is a symbol of clarity, of finding our voice and sharing it with the world in ways that resonate and inspire.
People with an Oriole totem animal are blessed with an incredible connection to their inner child. They see the world with wonder, embracing each moment with a sense of joy and innocence, no matter their age or experience. Their ability to laugh, to reconnect with their happiest memories, brings light and healing to those around them. They remind us to cherish the moments of joy that can be found in every day, no matter the chaos life brings.
I laughed the most with my grams. We shared a special bond, one that transcended words and was built on an unspoken understanding of the world. There was a certain magic in the way we could find humor in the simplest of things, and before we knew it, we’d be laughing so hard that tears would roll down our cheeks. Those moments of pure joy, where time seemed to stand still, are etched deeply in my heart. I carry those memories with me, and they’re like a secret treasure chest that I open whenever I need comfort. In moments of doubt or sadness, I find myself going back to those times with her, replaying the sound of our laughter, feeling her warmth, and drawing strength from the shared love we had. Those memories, full of lightness and laughter, are my therapy, a reminder of the simplicity and power of joy in healing.
One of the Orioles teachings is about grounding. For me, walking through a labyrinth is one of the best ways to center myself when life feels out of balance. It is a reminder that everything is interconnected. The world around us, the lessons we learn, the people we meet—everything is part of a greater whole.
As I continue to walk the occasional breeze touches my skin, I feel it as nature’s gift. The wind, the trees, the birds, the earth—they are all speaking, all teaching, all guiding. The Oriole remains by my side and I am reminded of the quiet strength within me and the beauty that surrounds me. The wild is not just outside—it lives within, a constant source of strength and wisdom, leading me through every step of life's adventure.
With love from the wild,
Molly
A Woman of the Land
