Are you as persistent as a woodpecker? Knock yourself out!

July 12, 8:12 PMPhoenix Spiritual ExaminerTorie Cooper

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Photo: J.M. Garg

Aren't woodpeckers amazing? Have you ever wondered what prevents them from getting headaches or worse yet, brain damage from pounding their beaks into wood?

These fascinating birds have small brains that are oriented in such a way as to maximize contact between the brain and skull. Maximizing contact spreads the force of the impact as well as minimizing the space in which the soft brain can slam into the hard skull. Pretty cool stuff!

Believe it or not, there are 200 species of woodpecker in the world and most love drilling holes into wood as they search for insects and grubs such as beetles. They have long sticky tongues which they use to wrap around their prey, pull them out of the hole and eat them. Woodpeckers also enjoy fruit, nuts, and sap. Protein and sugar - what a combo! That accounts for some of their strength and energy.

Drilling into wood for food isn't the easiest way to carve out a living. But woodpeckers are determined and persistent birds. They're not quitters. They're tenacity is impressive. Woodpeckers would go hungry if they gave up their daily challenge of searching for prey.

Perhaps we can find inspiration in the woodpecker's persistence. Woodpeckers know what they are meant to do, what they are built to do, and they do it. They don't think twice about it.

If woodpeckers can drill holes in wood each day then surely we can believe in our abilities too. There is something you are meant to do. Our beloved Creator placed within you a 'knowing,' a dream of all you are to do and be. Deep within your heart you sense this. Persist in discovering your dream. Persist in living your dream. Persist . . .don't stop 'drilling.' Something wonderful is awaiting you.

Know this, just as woodpeckers have found their place in nature so there is a place for you. Be persistent in developing and using your abilities. Be persistent in being marvelous, magnificent YOU!!!

Peace to all