A Tiny Visitor’s Gift: A Leap Into Trust
- Junko Saragih
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 26
A week after my first chemotherapy session, a tiny life gently landed on the palm of my hand.
In the midst of days filled with fear, this quiet miracle reminded me of the importance of trust and connection.
This essay is a reflection of the journey of realisations that unfolded during the pandemic—a journey I share with love and prayer.
This essay was originally written in English in March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic.
It has since been restructured and rewritten for this blog. (Estimated reading time: 6 minutes)
Table of Contents
10. After the Storm
A Gentle Encounter
This little bird visited us one early morning in September last year, about a week after my first chemotherapy session. He was sitting quietly outside the entrance to our apartment.
At first, we thought he was dead or injured, but he wasn’t. Even when we approached, he didn’t fly away. I gently picked him up and held him in my palm. As I stroked his head, he closed his eyes—as if embracing my touch.
We shared several magical minutes in silence… and then he flew back into nature.
Reflections During the Pandemic
I’ve often contemplated the meaning of that encounter, but it was during the early months of the pandemic that its message became crystal clear.
We are emotional beings. As a society, we are collectively experiencing waves of fear. I, too, have felt the ripple of apprehension as I witnessed the global impact of the coronavirus.
Understanding Fear
I believe there are two kinds of fear:
• Fear of imminent, present danger
• Fear of the unknown
Many of us are experiencing a blend of both right now.
Fear activates our survival mode. It narrows our perception, tightens our energy, and leads us into “fight or flight.” Fear of the unknown is like a dark fog—it clouds our judgment and makes us assume the worst. We see this in behaviors like panic buying.
Most media use scare tactics to control the masses.
Pay attention to how you feel after watching the news or an advertisement. How often do they talk about joyful things that make you smile?
Many of our day-to-day activities and decisions are fear-based, too. Fear is toxic yet addictive, like cigarettes, alcohol, or online videos. It's deeply rooted in our consciousness and can form a part of our identity.
The Illusion of Separation
Our collective consciousness is like the murmuration of starlings,
sweeping and forming coordinated patterns as they glide across the sky. In my mind’s eye, our current world’s patterns are scattered and disharmonious. This is what fear does—it separates us from our sense of unity. It emphasizes a You versus Me; and Us versus Them mentality.
The segregation that results is one of the root causes of victimhood, blame, prejudice, anger, sorrow, and shame.
Humanity has continued to experience gut-wrenching cruelties and tragedies for many centuries because the separation has blinded us from seeing the truth that we are all connected.
Teachings from the Sun and Moon
The Sun rises and sets every day and shines upon the entire surface of the globe without discrimination. We all see the same moon orbiting this planet we call home.
When we remember this simple truth, we can begin to create a world of unity—not division.
The Role of Contrast
When we remember this simple underlying truth, it is possible to create a world for You and Me, Us and Us.
We are all born with our unique blueprint, and our individualised experiences contribute to the whole. No one is greater or lesser. Even those who seem ‘evil’ to our eyes, they too have a role within the full spectrum of humanity. They are our great teachers because they provide us with the opportunity for self-reflection so that we can become better and kinder human beings. There is always wisdom to be learned from any situation.
Each of us is born with a unique soul blueprint. We all have something to contribute. No one is greater or lesser. Even those who seem “bad” play a role in the vast spectrum of human experience. They show us what we don’t want, helping us clarify who we are.
There is always something to learn—always an invitation to grow.
Wisdom from the Geese Who Soar Over the Himalayas
I once watched a nature documentary about geese flying over the Himalayas.
The flock attempts the conquest over and over again despite the uncertainty of what is ahead. They continue to rise and fall through unpredictable and ferocious winds, always trusting that they will ascend and reach their destination.
A Leap of Faith.
This was the message from the bird.
Trusting the Journey
His visit came just one week after my first chemotherapy session—a time when I was still facing the fear of three more rounds ahead. But this little bird took a leap of faith, trusting that I wouldn’t harm him.
As I held his soft, tiny body in my palm, something shifted. I, too, felt called to take my own leap of faith—to trust that I was being held in safe hands, and that this journey would become a path of transformation.
A Current of Hope Beneath the Fear
Awakening Together
What I am feeling right now is very similar to the period I was going through last year. I think we are collectively going through an awakening process. I am sure many of you are feeling it, too.
We can only do so much as a single entity, but as a whole, we can do something greater than ourselves.
The pandemic will cease eventually,
but humanity still has a lot of challenges before it.
Will we go back to the way we were, or will we strive to overcome them?
2020 gave us the chance to face our shadows—to release old patterns and co-create a new way forward.
Underneath the turbulent current of fear,
a breath of fresh air is emerging.
After the Storm
Transformation isn’t easy. It pushes the ego. It challenges what we think we know. But it is beautiful—if we choose to embrace it with faith.
After every storm, there is always a clear blue sky.
I know there’s a rainbow at the end.
Love to you all. 🌈
JUNKO
Written on 2020.3.29
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