You have wings, learn to use them to fly. Rumi
Most of us have read motivational emails that tell us to Spread our Wings. We can envision all the things that go along with it – daring to fly, opening up and feeling expansive, soaring in the blue sky amid the clouds, feeling a sense of majesty the way an eagle might.
In this time of nesting, fledging and flying, join me in following the imagery and metaphor. Perhaps you will find insights into your journey, whether you are still nesting, about to fledge, testing your wings or flying.
I offer you a person’s eye view of one of the nests in my neighborhood.
Nesting can happen anywhere! A delightful bird built a nest in our bathroom window. She laid four small light blue eggs. Sits on them day and night. We’ve watched her build and tend her nest. There is also a great horned owl nest in a nearby redwood with two baby owlets. In just weeks, the two fluffy grey babies have begun to emerge from a deeply hidden nest high in the tree. They now walk along tall, high branches stretching and opening their wings. They are getting ready for their first flights. As they test their wings, they will begin taking short flights. And then increasingly longer flights ultimately to leave their comfortable nest home forever.
All of us can work with these metaphors of nesting, fledging and flying.
Nesting. Safety. Nourishment. Growth. Nesting is a time of preparation. Creating a container, a safe and sturdy container, a flexible container. To create an environment for incubating. nourishing and growing.
Nesting is the time to gather materials, to pick up threads of interest, to have conversations, to find things that support and hold us.
If you have ideas and longings, consider taking time to nest and nurture. Can you make space and time to tend to your nest and incubate? If you are nest building, what are the threads and materials you need to pick up and weave in? What will help you fortify that nest?
Fledging. Gaining definition. Building strength. Fledging is a time to ready oneself.
Before we fly, we develop our wings. We take shape, gain definition and grow stronger. Like the owl, we begin by leaving the nest and stepping further and further out on branches. We survey the ground below and our surroundings. We stretch and feel our wings. We are still in safe proximity to the nest and perhaps in the watchful eye of a protector, maybe our mother. We are readying ourselves for a launch.
The great horned owl offers a wonderful example of gaining definition and skills, particularly sight and the all-important flight. When the owlets were very young, they were fuzzy grey puff balls. Their eyes were dark and rimmed with masks as if they were asleep or hiding. As they grew, their feathers got browner and more intricate, their “horns” emerged and developed points, they developed a black eyeliner that now rims golden eyes, and their wings gained the strength to take them on flight.
In the fledging period, the owlet sits on high branches and surveys the ground below. She takes short flights but more often feels her wings, grows into her maturing body and skills.
We do the same when we are about to launch or do something new and challenging. We have warm-ups, trial runs, pilot tests. We run our ideas by people. We give free sessions. We volunteer or intern. We take small risks. Luckily, we are not tasked to take flight high in the trees. If we flop, we will have only a few bruises.
Flying. Opening our wings and trusting in our ability to carry ourselves, independently. The first flights. Imagine the energy and the sensations all new in the body… absolutely unknown perspectives and sights, new sounds, tastes, smells and sensations, threats and pleasures? New muscles and intelligence that will grow with each of stage of maturation. The young owl begins with short flights. It tires easily. It will be six months before it ventures further out and leaves the nest and its parents.
Flying. Increasing strength and range. Developing muscles. Gaining new perspectives. Landing with choice, precision, intention. Being alert.
Flying is our time of freedom. Being able to fly comes with maturity. Yes, it can be filled with excitement. It means we have power to be on our own, to survive and to thrive.
Are you nesting? Is it time to fledge? Or fly?
Consider your options. Be safe and courageous!