What a Robin and a Phone Charger taught me about Growth...
The wisdom of listening to animals
Welcome to Fields of Imagination
This is a space for radical imagination—a place to reimagine how we connect with nature, animals, and ourselves. Here, I’ll share a mix of ideas, stories and art - about growth, creativity, and the magic that happens when we slow down and start paying attention.
Yesterday, two random moments gave me the push I needed to begin this Substack: a robin and a phone charger. This reminded me of why it’s so important to pay attention - because as soon as we are standing on the edge of growth, we usually get some kind of push back from our old aspects trying to keep us safe.
I’d been putting off starting this Substack for weeks, and whilst I was out walking my dog, a robin landed on some brambles right in front of me, chirping away, its red chest so bright against the grey gloom of a British January - it really caught my attention.
Robins are known as messengers of growth and renewal, and as it sat there, staring straight at me, I felt its message: It’s time to grow.
Fast forward a couple of hours, and I’m back at home in a very different kind of moment. My partner had asked me to unplug his laptop charger when it turned green. I forgot. When he came home, disappointed, my teenage self showed up in full force —defensive, dismissive, and desperate to escape the discomfort.
Two moments, seemingly unrelated. But both were trying to tell me the same thing: growth is uncomfortable. It asks you to face the parts of yourself you’d rather avoid—the defensiveness, the excuses, the resistance. And it’s usually a lot easier to ignore those lessons and carry on as normal.
But the robin reminded me of something bigger: animals and nature have this way of gently calling us back to what really matters. They reflect our messy humanity, but they also show us what’s possible when we listen and allow ourselves to move through those moments.
The robin was a reminder to listen to the truth inside me, while the charger moment was a test—a chance to recognise how my old patterns can get in the way of growth.
That’s life, isn’t it? A mix of signs and setbacks, wisdom and mess. The question is: Are we paying attention, and allowing ourselves to expand when those moments happen?
Why Animals?
Animals are the best teachers because they don’t shout. They don’t try to explain things with words. They just show up, doing what they do when we need them to, and if we’re paying attention, we learn.
The robin reminded me that growth is messy, uncomfortable, and full of resistance—but it’s also magical if we lean in.
That’s what Fields of Imagination is about:
• Learning from animals as the wisdom keepers they are.
• Exploring what they can teach us about ourselves and the way we live.
• Imagining a world where humans and animals live in harmony.
Animals are constantly helping us—if we’re willing to listen.
Why Now?
Three years ago, I had ovarian cancer - I use past tense because I always knew it was an opportunity to grow - out of old patterns and allow myself a rebirth. It felt like everything was ending at the time, and in many ways it was, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t. That experience changed everything. It made me realise I’m not here to shrink or hide—I’m here to grow, we all are.
And I’m still learning, still unpicking old patterns, still meeting the messy parts of myself. But along the way, I’ve found wisdom—not just in my own experiences, but in the animals and natural world around me.
This is why I created Fields of Imagination. It’s a space for anyone who loves animals, anyone who wants to feel more connected to nature, and anyone who’s curious about how we can live in harmony with the world around us.
Join the Journey
Each week, I’ll share simple stories and reflections about animals, nature, and the lessons they hold for us. This isn’t about perfection or knowing all the answers—it’s about being curious, paying attention, and growing together.
So, whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore, imagine, and learn from the wisdom of the world around us.
Thank you for being here.
With love and curiosity,
Victoria Wolf