The Rest Of The Story…

Continued from yesterday…

We began this current theme a couple of weeks ago with a story about the eagle unconscious of its true identity. So let us end this theme with the rest of the story…

When the environmentalist found the eagle among the chickens, he took the majestic bird in his hands, raised it toward the sky, and said, “You belong to the sky. Spread your wings and fly.”

Instead of flying toward the horizon in freedom, the eagle saw the chickens eating their food and swooped back down to join them.

Not giving up quickly, the environmentalist brought the bird up with him on the farmhouse rooftop, held it high, and said, “You are not a chicken. You’re an eagle. Spread your wings and fly.”

But the eagle, fearful and unaware of its identity and potential, jumped down once again and joined the chickens.

Finally, the environmentalist brought the eagle to a mountain. Holding the bird up above his head, he urged once more, “You’re an eagle! Spread your wings and fly.”

The eagle looked around in search of the farmyard. But instead, it caught a glimpse of the sun peeking through the clouds. With eyes firmly fixed on the sun appearing through the parting clouds, the eagle slowly began to spread its wings. Then, with a triumphant screech, it soared effortlessly into the sky. Far above the farmyard, the eagle found its true identity, infinite life, and purpose.

Perhaps you have also been conditioned to live as something you are not. Maybe you have been assigned artificial labels of who you are by your family, friends, religion, and culture.

Hidden by the clouds of fear, shame, rejection, and guilt is the dimension in you that is one with God. But a light appears within you. As you catch a glimpse of the brightness of divine love, you will find your true self and soar to new heights.

So my friend, wake up to who you are. You’re not the sum of your biology, the collection of your thoughts, or a chicken in a farmyard. Instead, you are a soaring, majestic spirit. You are an eternal consciousness imbued with love, joy, and peace.

Adapted from Section 1 of Awakening To I Am Love by David Youngren