Stretching the Soul

I recently heard a beautiful story. Is it fact or fiction? Some say it is a hoax but regardless of it’s truth one can use it as a tale to inspire courage to change. It goes like this: 

The Eagle has the longest life span of its species. It can live up to 70 years, but to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In it's 40th year its long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey, which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, stick to its chest & make it difficult to fly. Then, the eagle is left with only two options: die or go through a painful process of change, which lasts 150 days. 

The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountaintop and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks it's beak against a rock until it plucks it out. Then the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons. When it's new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers. After 5 months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years. 

Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive we have to start a change process. We will need to get rid of old habits and past memories. When we are freed from past burdens we can live in the present, which helps us to respond more positively to life. All of us at some point experience pain and suffering.

What can we do to help us on this journey? Meditate. 

Start with 15 minutes at the same time everyday. A simple meditation is Ma-Om.As you inhale in your mind hear the sound Ma, exhale hear the sound Om. Mameans mother in many languages, which is divine love. Omis the primordial sound of consciousness or divine light. Ma-Omis like the sound of the ocean’s waves. Make a commitment to do this everyday for 21 days to anchor this practice. You will experience more peace, calm and clarity in your life. Challenges come and go. Meditation is the key to riding the turbulent waves of life’s ups and downs with equanimity.

Om Shanti,

Colette Crawford