Shelley Brucar
"Wandering Spirit"
|
|
|
| (Photos by Patrick Fraser) |
Emus have been walking the plains of Australia, very similar to their current form, for approximately 80 million years. Apparently quite adaptable, they feed on grains, flowers, fruit, soft shoots, insects, mice - and potato chips when offered! Emus can grow to 6½ feet and nearly 100 pounds. Although flightless, they are known to be adept at fleeing from predators; they can run at speeds of up to 31 mph and are very strong swimmers.
Emus stand for travel, adventure and exploration. They have a great sense of curiosity. This bird represents the spiritual journey, but also everyday journeys… what nourishes and nurtures us, what stimulates our minds?
One of my great loves which nourishes me, is exploring new places and being part of nature. Thus, my Emu is a hiking bird, carrying trail maps from National Parks and a compass to find her way.
Emus cannot walk backwards, an apt metaphor of the Australian trait to leave baggage in the past and look optimistically to the future – No Worries Mate!