“Who would attempt to fly with the tiny wings of a sparrow when the mighty power of an eagle has been given him?” A Course In Miracles
So fellow travelers this quote popped up in my morning feed today.
My immediate response was ” Me! I would! ” and while I understand the quote’s intended spiritual lesson is we deny too much the power we have within us, I know my response comes from a place of truth.
Osprey in flight Fair Haven Sate Park May 2017
Of course I marvel at the amazing grace and power of raptors, watching in awe whenever I am blessed with a sighting. Who wouldn’t want to soar above the trees and spiral gracefully upwards on thermal drafts? I’ve had dreams of flying like that. Yet the honest truth is I relate more in spirit with the little song birds who chirrup as they dash about the forest underbrush, diving down to snatch a cool drink from a brook, darting up into the air to snag a juicy treat, then dodging into a secret sanctuary among the leaves. Tucked safely away I would feel free to sing the song in my heart without fear of reprisal.
The admonition is clear. You have been given tremendous power. Why hide it within a smaller self? I contemplated this yesterday afternoon as I sat in my favorite chair by our little pond taking in the birds enjoying the feeders I had just refilled. Chickadees, finches, cardinals, juncos and grackles hopped back and forth between the trees, feeders and the ground gathering the seeds with great gusto. Occasionally one would hop daringly onto the rocks by the pond and, eyeing me with utmost caution, dip their little bills into the waterfall for a quick drink before dashing back into the trees.
In my current quest to come to peace with what is I find myself eyeing reality with the same caution as my little visitors. I have never been one to give in easily to situations which do not feel right and I am not about to start now. The philosophical and spiritual foundations of who I am have been built from hard won battles with both personal and global negativity. Maybe this grants me the wingspan and power of an eagle but if I am honest with myself, those wings do not suit me. I am simply more comfortable flying about on smaller, more agile wings.
A flash of color
A song sung true from the heart
Tiny feathered warriors
Guide me on my path
Tree Swallow Sterling Nature Center May 2017
Who’s to say power can’t be tucked into those little feathered wings ?
Walk gently on the path my friends and may adventure find you ready.
Editors note: The poem is a flipped haiku format using 5/7/7/5 rhythm