Many of my friends know I’ve been dealing with some significant health issues with my aging parents lately, so any opportunity for a break is greatly appreciated. I especially look forward to my bicycle ride each day at noon, putting in 20 miles or more in the heat of the day. For me, it’s very cleansing and relaxing (ultimately), to push through fatigue and forget about all the “stuff” going on lately. Sore legs, numb hands, and sweat seem to do it for me.
Anyway, while zooming (sort of) down a hill next to a wetland area near my home, a little Red-Winged Blackbird flew out from the reeds along the road, settled right off my right shoulder, slightly out of arms’ reach, and paced me for several hundred yards. He occasionally flapped his wings wildly, and at other times, glided to stay in place off my shoulder. He turned his head several times to look at me. I could see him float up an down an inch or two on the wind as we both “flew” down the hill.
Now, here’s where some of you might think, “Uh-oh, Bill’s gone off the deep end…” As this little one flew next to me I imagined what it might be like to be him and fly, occasionally flapping wildly, and at other times, just floating on the breeze. It was almost in that moment of thought that I swear I could actually FEEL what it was like to be that little bird. Lighter than a feather, with green reeds rushing by. I could feel the slight dips as I glided, and the wind against my face. Now, remember, the operative word at the beginning of this paragraph is IMAGINED. For those few moments, I WAS the little bird. It was such a peaceful experience, and left me feeling good the rest of the day. I hope the little bird heard me say “Thank you” out loud as he darted back into the reeds. It was a very special experience for me, and I hope for him as well.
Anyway, I thought about it later, and regardless of what you might think or believe, my IMAGINATION was what made the experience so REAL, and now I FINALLY understand the principle of “ACT AS IF.” It takes imagination, immersion into your subject, whether it be a thin person to lose weight, a wealthy person to feel what it’s like to “make money,” or whatever.
Our success and happiness can be guided by our imagination, so DREAM BIG!!!
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August 4, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Helen
Bill, I don’t think you’re nuts at all. Not only do I believe in the power of imagination to inspire and heal, but I also believe that since we are all interconnected, you really ARE that bird. You saw a glimpse of The Divine (God, or whatever name you’d like to give it) momentarily on that hill. SO cool!!
May 21, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Becky Blanton
What is so scary about the possibility you WERE the bird, or were connected with it instead of just imagining it? When we get close to a fire, or a stove, or ice – we FEEL their essence and think nothing of it. Our bodies take in the heat, shrink from the cold. It becomes part of us. Sunlight doesn’t just hit our skin – it goes into us – creating or imparting Vitamin D. Oxygen is breathed in, exhaled. All around us are examples of how we take in or experience the life around us and “become” part of the experience. We “feel” or sense the emotions of people around us – yet they are not “our” emotions. Whatever it was, it’s cool. Been there – think it’s beyond what most can grasp though.