The Bird Whisperer

Even before I arrive in Australia, its nature beckons.

As I pack my bags for the journey to my place of birth, I experience my own dream-time, drawn to the beautiful harshness and sensitivity of the antipodean countryside.

But its about more than just seeing the colours and breathing in the smells. It's a communication, a sense of oneness with the physics, chemistry and biology that is Australia. I love nature everywhere, but I am part of it when down under.

Every chance I get, I try to leave behind the human world and get into some green.

It's funny - so many people avoid anything that may be unpredictable, and a fear of the wild overtakes them. For me the opposite it true. Wildlife - and interacting with it - is the epitome. How wonderful to be able to communicate and make a connection with a creature that is so different to ourselves!

I once heard very wise words in a talk by the Kabbalist Rabbi Laibl Wolf, who emphasized the importance of having a connection and a feeling of connectedness, the absence of which lies at the root of many social psychological problems so prevalent today. Wow.

Having just arrived in Australia and still jetlagged, I jumped in the car and drove a short 40 minutes from my parent's home to a rainforest where my local friends - both colourful and white as snow - await my visit, to reconnect.

Communing with nature.

Nothing beats it.