Birds
So, anyone who knows me even a little bit probably knows that I like to go birdwatching, or "birding", in my free time. I get that this is a hobby that is probably kind of confusing or strange for a lot of people and that it makes me a total dweeb, but I do genuinely enjoy it. I love all wildlife, it just so happens that birds are incredibly abundant, vibrantly colored, and have a support network for people that like to watch them. To say that that the fulfillment I get from birdwatching is spiritual would be one hell of an overstatement, but it does let me connect with nature in a more active and in depth way. The moment of recognition, where you can look at a bird and be absolutely sure that you know what it is, is incredibly validating. Birding lets me attune myself to my senses and attempt to experience more deeply. A White-Winged Crossbill, one of the rarer birds I've seen this year The notion that idolatry is in some way a lesser form of religious practice has ...