Welcomed By the Eagle

Over the years I have always been impressed and inspired by the American Bald Eagle. This is not because of its American-patriotic iconography but because of its incredible majesty as an animal. To see an eagle in the wild was for many years a rare and awesome sight. Fortunately it is no longer as rare- but it is still just as awesome. Whether watching them soar effortlessly or sitting majestically on a tree branch the Bald Eagle is nothing short of a spiritual experience.

I have also understood from American Indian spirituality that we all have our "animal" as our spiritual or soul guide. Mine has always been the Eagle. I have always just known that. Intuitively. To see one in the wild has become a message, a reminder, that all is well and that all is just as it is supposed to be.

Well, last week I had to travel to our new home and stop by the apartment building where we will be living and drop off some papers. As I pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car I looked across the adjacent lake. There in the leafless tree, sitting and looking in my direction not 200 yards away was a Bald Eagle. I am told that they have a nest there and can be seen often. Which also happens to be the direction our apartment faces out our balcony.

It was one of those moments. I sensed that it was a welcoming home- to our new home. This is the place where we are supposed to be. It is right- and it is time.

That's one of those special things that the "spiritual" brings to us- the awareness that the ways of the world- and of God- are just the way they're supposed to be. No matter what any one of us may think, want, or think we want, the ways of the spiritual life are openings for a different way. We make decisions, like the decision to move, and pray we have done the right thing. When we are in touch with spirituality in our lives, the "right thing" will be intuitive- and affirmed.

I am looking forward to living across the lake from the Eagle. I will, of course, try to get pictures of him because that's one of the things I do to hold the memory. I don't try to capture it on film, I try to take an image- an icon, if you will- that can be a reminder and a window to greater awareness and peace.