On Eagles’ Wings
Wonder stops you in your tracks,
prompting you to take in an air of appreciation and admiration,
and momentarily expanding and questioning your place in the universe.
-The Miracle Collectors
The word miracle is derived from the Latin word mirari meaning wonder. In the process of researching miracles, we've often asked ourselves how often do we as adults actually get to experience true wonder? And when we do, what does it look like? This month Joan shares her recent experience.
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I was in Aspen Colorado last week as I have been every March for the past forty plus years complements of my Colorado-raised, ski-racing husband. Years ago, I traded my downhill skis for cross country ones and each afternoon I head out to the local municipal golf course to ski a couple of mile loop. Each year I welcome my annual Aspen traditions like checking on my heart tree (a pine whose roots grew together and as the trunks and branches separated the image is of a heart), making my angel in the snow (yes, it is harder to get up and down without getting my foot or handprints in the way, but so worth it), and of course soaking in the beauty of the environment.
While generally I attend to my skis, the tracks, and my balance, I do take the time to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me from the towering peaks, the pristine snow, and the overall magnificence of nature. The truth is though that this time I was recovering from a fractured tibia and torn meniscus from a December accident, and I was taking it a bit easy. When I got to one of the cut offs that would return me to my car a little sooner than usual I stopped and considered whether I should call it a day. But as we say in our chapter The 90% Rule, of equal importance to showing up is being all in. So instead of heading back, I kept going hoping to complete the last portion of the trail.
I skied on until the next sweeping turn, then stopped to take stock, knowing I could still turn back. When I looked up to get my bearings, I was gifted with a most wonderful sight. A bald eagle circled in the current above me. Eagles are no ordinary bird, so much larger and more imposing than any of the other wildlife I had ever seen flitting among the trees or passing by overhead. I was riveted in place and filled with wonder. As I watched, another bald eagle joined the first one appearing as if by magic through the clouds. They were magnificent, wings outstretched, floating on air, simultaneously powerful, yet regal. At the sight my heart channeled our Ukrainian brothers and sisters as I wished them peace.
Instead of continuing to savor the moment, I grabbed my cell phone out of my pocket and turned the video on to capture the scene for others. As I stood and watched, the eagles ultimately flew out of sight. I checked my phone with great anticipation looking to relive the experience. Instantly I saw I had a problem. It seems that instead of savoring the moment, I got caught up in the gadgetry of our 24/7 world and rather than eagles soaring, all I saw was a black moving screen. Was Someone trying to teach me a lesson? I wondered. Apparently, awareness and awe don't require cell phones - we have to recognize that we are enough to hold these visions of wonder within us. I laughed at myself and thought of our Take a Miracle Moment Challenges on becoming aware and silently wished for a do-over.
Now in the decades of skiing in this same location I have never seen bald eagles, and yet - the next day they were back - catching the breeze, hovering in and out of the clouds. I got a second chance to relish the moment, full of gratitude, and with a renewed understanding of awareness and connection. (For the record, even though I was there another week they never appeared again.)
No, seeing eagles was not a miracle (even though as an alum of BC, eagles are always a good sign), but it was a reminder that wonder, like miracles, exist - sometimes in the most unexpected places. The key is being aware. Awareness takes practice but it is something that is within our grasp and the reward can truly be wonder-ful. (Joan)