Are you a Vulture or a Hummingbird? What You Seek is What You’ll Find
Have you ever noticed how two very different creatures can fly over the same landscape and see completely different things? A vulture and a hummingbird both soar above the same terrain, but they’re searching for entirely different things. The vulture scans the ground, seeking what’s decaying and lifeless. The hummingbird, on the other hand, seeks out the sweet nectar hidden within flowers.
This powerful analogy, shared by Craig Groeschel, illustrates a profound truth about how we approach life and our own mental wellbeing (Craig Groeschel).
What Are You Searching For?
Our minds work in much the same way as these two birds. We can choose to focus on what is negative, decaying, and toxic—reliving old wounds, magnifying stress, and feeding fears. Or, we can shift our focus to the good, the positive, and the nourishing moments that are often right in front of us.
This isn’t about ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about retraining our minds to notice the small, life-giving things—the “sweet nectar”—that often go overlooked.
Rewiring Your Brain: A Practice in Focus
Our brains are wired to seek what we repeatedly focus on, a concept known as neuroplasticity. The more we direct our attention toward the positive, the more our brains begin to look for it naturally. This isn’t about toxic positivity; it’s about creating a healthier default setting in our minds.
How to Shift Your Focus from Vulture to Hummingbird
- Gratitude Check: Start or end your day by writing down three positive things that happened. No matter how small, each moment counts.
- Breathe and Reset: When stress hits, take three slow, deep breaths and ask yourself, “What’s one good thing in this moment?”
- Mindful Movement: Take a walk and challenge yourself to find five beautiful or interesting things along the way.
- Limit Negativity: Reduce exposure to negative news or conversations that drain you. Seek out content that uplifts and inspires.
Why It Matters
What we seek, we find. If we train our minds to look for what is good, life-giving, and nourishing, we’ll naturally start to see more of it. In a world full of distractions and noise, it’s easy to get caught up in the decay. But the nectar is always there, waiting to be noticed.
Final Thoughts
Like the hummingbird, let’s train our minds to search for the sweet things—the moments of connection, beauty, and growth. It’s a practice, not perfection. And every time we choose to look for the good, we’re creating a healthier, more resilient mind.
If you’re looking for more resources on reframing your mindset and supporting your brain health, reach out. We’re here to help you thrive.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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