“Birds make great sky-circles of their freedom. How do they learn it? They fall, and falling, they’re given wings.” – Rumi
When birds are hatched from the hard shell which protects them as they develop, they are fed from the very mouth of their parents until their wings are strong enough to flap. Then, the birds jump from the nest in anticipation of the flight they are called to. Very few actually fly their first time. Most fall to the ground with great thanksgiving for the ability of their soft bones to bounce.
As we bring new ideas into the world, the seed of a thought will grow into an egg of theory, protected by whatever concepts surround it as it develops into an idea. Once it grows beyond the concepts which nurtured it to maturity and breaks through limiting perceptions, we continue to feed the idea as it expands, cultivating it through conversation and consideration until it is strong enough to fly on its own. Just as with the baby bird, few ideas will fly on their first attempt.
Nevertheless, ideas do bounce. Though some may take longer than others, as our ideas continue to bounce from place to place and mind to mind, they eventually take flight. As this year continues to offer us a multitude of days in which thoughts will flock around us longing to take wing, continue to cultivate the dreams, ideas, and visions you long to see soar.
Steve
Steve McAllister describes himself as a Renaissance Man. An author, filmmaker, songwriter, and perpetual artistic experimenter, he has recently re-released his second book The Rucksack Letters into paperback to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the journey. A journey of ink and soul, the book recounts his year and a half trek through 26 states, exploring the underbelly of America in order to better know himself. A pivotal first step for a generation in search of a new direction, The Rucksack Letters is available now.
