“Can you share one unexpected benefit you experienced from creating a bird sanctuary at home? How has it impacted your daily life?”
Improved my ability to stay present and focused throughout the day
Creating a bird sanctuary at home started as a way to make our outdoor space more peaceful — but the unexpected benefit has been how much it’s improved my ability to stay present and focused throughout the day.
Taking just five minutes in the morning to watch cardinals, hummingbirds, or finches at the feeder resets my nervous system in a way no phone app ever could. It’s become a daily mindfulness ritual — low effort, high return.
It’s also sparked curiosity and conversation with guests and family. Everyone notices the calm, the color, and the movement — and it changes the energy of the whole space. What started as a personal hobby quietly became a source of inspiration and connection.
Billy Rhyne, CEO & Founder | Entrepreneur, Travel expert | Land Developer and Merchant Builder, Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort
Sense of tranquility to my daily life
Creating a bird sanctuary at home brought an unexpected sense of tranquility to my daily life. Watching the birds come and go, especially during morning hours, has become a calming ritual. I didn’t anticipate how much it would reduce stress—something about the quiet moments spent observing the birds, with their soft chirps and rhythmic movements, brings a sense of peace that I hadn’t realized I was missing.
It also sparked a new appreciation for nature, leading me to spend more time outdoors. In practical terms, it’s also made my garden healthier, as the birds help with pest control. The overall impact has been refreshing, as it’s not just a sanctuary for the birds, but for me too. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the smaller things, which has been a positive shift in my busy routine.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Encourages mindfulness and stillness throughout the day
One unexpected benefit of creating a bird sanctuary at home has been how it naturally encourages mindfulness and stillness throughout the day. In the middle of a busy schedule or a stressful moment, pausing to watch the birds gather at the feeder or splash in the bath creates a calming reset. It’s like having a little pocket of nature just outside the window—a living reminder to slow down, breathe, and notice the small, beautiful things.
This daily interaction with nature has made home life feel more peaceful and grounded. The birds have their own rhythms, and over time, you start to recognize familiar visitors and even look forward to their routines. It brings a sense of continuity and connection to the natural world, right in the middle of everyday life.
Heather Vesely, Social Media Specialist, My Supplement Store
Mental calm was an unexpected but significant advantage of setting up a bird sanctuary at my home.
As someone constantly handling creative and business decisions at Estorytellers, I didn’t realize how much I needed a natural pause in my day. Watching birds gather, interact, and return each morning became a grounding ritual. It subtly shifted my daily rhythm, inviting mindfulness before the rush began.
It also inspired storytelling ideas; observing nature teaches you patience, subtlety, and connection—values I now bring more consciously into both writing and leadership.
Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Estorytellers
