According to Buddhist teachings, life is the joining of mind (nama) and matter (rupa). Mind consists of the combination of sensations, perceptions and consciousness, while matter consists of the combination of the four elements of solidity, fluidity, motion and heat. Every day life then is the co-existence of these elements. A perfect name for our project, mind + matter.
I wondered however, how do we visually represent the idea of the expansive “mind” and tangible “matter?”
Then the birds arrived.
I saw blackbirds everywhere. In my sleep, when awake, everywhere I went, blackbirds. I kept visualizing the openness and freedom of the mind balanced with grounding elements of matter. The birds literally took over my brain for several days. My husband affectionately began calling me “bird-brain” because that’s all I talked about.
Compelled, I did a little research and was surprised to learn that if a blackbird shows up in any form in your life it means it is a particularly auspicious time and it is best to heed its message. I don’t usually buy into illogical pagan folklore, but I have to admit, I was both intrigued and a little freaked out by this intrusion into my head.
Digging a little deeper into the symbolism associated with blackbirds, I was blown away by how perfectly it fit our vision for mind + mater. Here’s a summary of what I discovered:
- Blackbirds are a symbol of higher intelligence, thoughts and ideals.
- Blackbirds are considered a good omen.
- Blackbirds bring the lessons learned in meditation.
- Blackbirds lend you their energy and guide you.
- Blackbirds fly but stay close to the ground (mind and matter).
- Blackbirds are a symbol of freedom.
- Blackbirds are a symbol of the future.
- Blackbirds are a symbol of domestic happiness.
- Blackbirds show us how to find beauty in unexpected places.
The blackbird came and we listened. We hope our little blackbird makes you smile.