By Marie-Dominique Rail · December 30, 2020
An eagle moves across the open sky, carried by the strength of its wings and the currents of air.
Watching a bird in flight can awaken a sense of freedom.
The landscape stretches beneath it. The horizon opens. Its movement follows the conditions of the sky.
I have often appreciated the eagle as a symbol of perspective, courage, and the freedom to choose our direction.
These qualities can become meaningful when we are facing criticism, conflict, or circumstances that draw us away from what matters to us.
The Eagle and the Raven
A familiar story describes a raven disturbing an eagle during flight.
In the telling, the eagle continues its ascent, eventually leaving the raven behind.
The story is best understood as an allegory rather than a reliable account of bird behavior.
Its image invites an interesting reflection.
How do we respond when someone challenges us?
How much attention do we give to words that leave us feeling diminished?
What helps us remain connected to our values when relationships become difficult?
Choosing Where Our Energy Goes
Criticism can awaken many emotions.
We may feel misunderstood, disappointed, angry, or uncertain.
At times, a conversation can help restore understanding.
At other times, we recognize that continuing an exchange would only deepen the difficulty.
Discernment allows us to consider our response.
We can listen to what deserves consideration, recognize what is unfair, and decide whether a boundary is needed.
Our peace may depend upon the care with which we choose where to place our attention.
The Meaning of Rising
In spiritual language, ascension is often associated with expanded awareness.
I also appreciate its meaning as an image of personal growth.
We rise when we become more attentive to our choices.
When we learn from an experience.
When we develop the courage to speak with sincerity.
When we recognize that our dignity can remain intact even when another person does not understand us.
Growth may involve a difficult conversation, a necessary boundary, or the decision to leave a harmful situation.
Each circumstance asks for its own response.
Keeping Our Humanity Close
The eagle’s flight can remind us of the value of perspective.
From a greater distance, a landscape reveals relationships that may be difficult to recognize from the ground.
We can approach our own experiences with a similar openness.
What is this situation teaching me about my needs?
What deserves my attention?
What kind of person do I wish to be as I move through this experience?
These questions invite us to remain connected to our values.
The freedom to grow belongs to each of us.
And the direction we choose can continue to reflect the compassion, courage, and understanding we wish to bring into the world.
Peace be with you, always.
Marie-Dominique Rail
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