The Flight of the Feather

Early morning quiet surrounded me as I stood on the patio.  I breathed deeply and soaked in the beauty before me. High above the busy streets and sidewalks I embraced the blue of the ocean and the big sky above.

I am fortunate to live in an apartment with an expansive ocean view. It is a new perspective each day and I never tire of it.

Suddenly I noticed a movement way above me. Was it a bird? Perhaps something had fallen off a patio above me? I was curious and I waited.

Then I saw it.

A feather. Floating, twirling, dancing and swirling on the breeze.

I wanted that feather!

I have a collection of feathers. Each one has a story and a personal meaning for me. I wanted another to add to my display.

I was tempted to grasp at the air, frantically jumping up to catch it. Surely I could snatch it from the sky!

Then I stopped myself. I wondered, ‘What might happen if I wait?’ I took a deep breath and stood quietly. Watching. Waiting. Wondering.

That was not easy for me. I wanted to do something. Anything to help the process. To ensure I did everything I could do to get that feather.

I stayed still.

I shifted to curiosity. Where would the feather go? What if it passed me by? How long would it dance in the currents of air above me?

I chose an attitude of patience and I was in the present moment. I could feel my heart beating and I was aware of each breath.

It was as if time stood still. There was only me and the feather. I was not scrambling to catch it. I was not frantic and fearful that I would miss it.

Instead, I was quiet and open to what might happen.

The feather moved at its own pace, teasingly going one way and then another. Watching it dance in the breeze was a reminder of the ease and flow I want in my life.

What happened next was magical.

The feather drifted by, just out of my reach. And, as the wind caught it, the feather floated down and  gently landed on the patio at my feet.

My eyes filled with tears of joy and disbelief. I tenderly reached down to pick up ‘my’ feather.

I could think of it in no other way. I felt ‘light as a feather’ as I held it in my hands. I knew this feather was a gift to me. A gift that had arrived as a teacher at the perfect time.

What were the lessons I learned from the flight of the feather?

1. The Art of Receiving

I didn’t know I was going to receive a feather that day. It was a surprise from the sky, freely given with no strings attached. Even though I had done nothing to earn this gift, I took it with a full heart.

Receiving is something I am learning. I am often tempted to ‘brush away’ compliments. I tend to focus on what I can give in return when I am given a gift. It is challenging for me to receive in a gracious manner.

I have seen the joy on the face of someone giving me a gift. And that joy is intensified when I receive fully. There is a mutual exchange of loving energy. The gift of the feather reminds me of this and I am grateful.

2. The Difference Between Scrambling and Surrender

As I waited and watched the feather, I chose to let go of what might happen. I did not know if I would ever have that feather for my collection. Even though I longed to hold it in my hand, I held back from scrambling, from grasping and ‘trying harder’ to make sure I got it.

I wonder, where can I practice this in other areas of my life? Are there times I could wait and see, trusting that all will be well? I had no control over the feather’s flight, and I was able to wait and see what happened. I want to choose this attitude as I face uncertainty in my life. There are many things over which I have no control. Am I willing to be curious and patient, just as I was with the feather?

3. The Importance of Paying Attention

I could easily have missed the gift of the feather. Often I rush through my day, barely noticing what is happening outside my window. I may see feathers on the patio and complain about the mess.

This experience reminded me of the importance of slowing down. I realized the benefit of being present and noticing what is happening around me. As I picked up the feather, I felt happy. My heart was full and  I was calm and grateful. My body felt light and I had fun sharing my story with others. This resulted in better health for me, a positive outlook and a sense of community. All because of my feather!

The feather nestles on my window sill with the shells and ocean stones I have collected. And, of course, there are the other feathers, with their stories and memories. I smile as I see the feather, happy for the lessons I have learned.

What gift might you receive as you practice receiving, surrender to what is out of your control, and pay attention to what is happening each moment?

I would love to hear your story or any insights you may have gained from reading my story today.