In previous issues, we’ve featured advice from Judi Painter, a Certified Flamingo Geek. She shared wisdom from her observations of flamingos and their relevance to our lives. Judi is now offering you an opportunity to become a Certified Flamingo Geek!
To become a Certified Flamingo Geek, you must complete the 7 Flamingo Teachings—whimsical but meaningful lessons. These teachings reflect values like simplicity, joy, humility, and care for Creation.
A seeker’s path to becoming a Certified Flamingo Geek
- Stillness in the Shallows
Lesson Stand still on one leg from dawn to dusk.
Spiritual Wisdom Learn to slow down. Listen deeply to the world and your heart.
Virtue Mindfulness and presence
Scripture “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). - Feather Fellowship
Lesson Groom another’s feathers before your own.
Spiritual Wisdom Humble service and compassionate care come before self-perfection.
Virtue Humility and kindness
Scripture “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4). - Sky-Song Listening
Lesson Tune your ears to the messages of wind, water, and wingbeats.
Spiritual Wisdom Truth is everywhere if you learn to hear in silence.
Virtue Discernment and reverence
Scripture “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). - Joyful Wading
Lesson Dance daily in the shallows, especially when it rains.
Spiritual Wisdom Joy is not found in perfection but in movement, laughter, and being alive in the moment.
Virtue Gratitude and delight
Scripture “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” (Psalm 97:12). - Sacred Flock Flight
Lesson Fly only when another is ready to fly with you.
Spiritual Wisdom We rise by lifting others.
Virtue Mutuality and solidarity
Scripture “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). - Reed Wisdom
Lesson Build your nest only from fallen reeds and share it with travelers.
Spiritual Wisdom Live simply, honor what is already given, and practice hospitality.
Virtue Stewardship and generosity
Scripture “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). - Pink Is a Path, Not a Fashion
Lesson Don’t chase brightness. Let your inner glow come from what you take in—truth, kindness, and love.
Spiritual Wisdom True beauty radiates from alignment with life’s deeper rhythms.
Virtue Integrity and inner peace
Scripture “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Keep these 7 values in mind and you, too, can influence others for good as a Certified Flamingo Geek!
