The Wisdom of the Hummingbird: Finding Peace in a Busy World
Written by: Mari Novoa, M.S., AMFT
Mental Health and Mindfulness 💚
The hummingbird has always fascinated me. It’s small but strong, light but determined, always moving with purpose. In Mayan culture, the hummingbird is said to carry messages between worlds, a tiny traveler that brings hope, love, and reminders to pause long enough to appreciate life. During a trip to Mérida, Yucatán, I met a wise Mayan man who guided me through a beautiful spiritual experience. Through that experience, he shared that the hummingbird was my spirit guide in animal form. I wasn’t surprised. The hummingbird moves fast, zipping from one thing to another, curious, full of life, and rarely still for long.
Like many of us, I know what it’s like to live in constant motion, juggling work, family, purpose, and the occasional moment to breathe. But even the hummingbird rests. Just outside my window, a hummingbird often stops by. The first time I saw it pause (really pause for a while!), I was so happy. I stood there, watching every second, not wanting to move because I knew that in a matter of a blink, it would leave. But this time, the hummingbird perched on a branch, perfectly calm. And in that moment, I realized something powerful: the hummingbird does sit still when it’s somewhere it feels safe, peaceful, and at home. Maybe that’s the lesson… movement and stillness both have a place in our wellbeing. We can move with energy, explore the world, and stay curious, but we also need to land. To rest. To breathe. And without guilt.
For me, peace lives in familiar places such as at home, by the beach, in prayer and meditation, or when I slow down enough to listen. For you, it might be something else entirely. The real question is: where does your spirit finally exhale?
So let’s take a cue from the hummingbird. Move with heart, live with curiosity, and when you find your peaceful place, let yourself stay there for a while. And if finding that peace feels hard right now, therapy can help you reconnect with it and your emotional wellbeing overall. Together, we can explore what movement, mindfulness, and stillness look like for you.
Reflections
Where do you feel most at peace, the kind of peace that makes you breathe a little deeper?
How do you know when it’s time to rest, including saying no to others, and not feeling guilty?
What might your “hummingbird moments” look like? The times you allow yourself to slow down and feel safe?