I had an experience which I would dearly love to share with
you. I just do not know that I can put into words what I felt
and saw. Have you ever had a moment that was so profound
you wanted to share it with the world or at least your closest
friends? Were you able to articulate what you felt?
This past week I woke one morning and, as usual, the first thing
I do is open the blinds so I can what kind of a day it is. I did not
notice anything unusual and since it was my day to go to yoga
class, I did not dilly dally along. I did my toiletries and next on
my daily agenda is prayer and meditation. I went into my living
room where my altar and meditation chair are but first I always
raise the shades so I can look out my bow window to see what is
happening on the lake.
I felt like I was pushed back into another time and place. I have
lived here for 14 years and have never seen the lake look like this.
I am used to seeing the lake looking like glass with the sun shining
and the water a mirror for everything around the lake. I love it and
it always stirs my heart when it happens. I would like to say it happens
every morning but in actuality, the sun is not always out or the water is
choppy because of the wind. The lake has a personality that differs from
day to day and moment to moment during the day.
The sun was not out this morning and there was fog so that the furthest
mountains were shielded from view. The water was so still and so was
the air, no movement was perceivable. Not only was the water reflecting
all the homes, docks and everything else around the lake but it was also
reflecting the fog. The mirror image of the fog was surrounding the homes
and mountains reflected on the water. I noticed that the mirror images were
more defined than the actual physicality. The tops of the trees were more
defined in the water than they were just standing there on the shore.
I was transported into an experience I am having a problem describing,
I was IMMERSED in the feeling. I did not use my binoculars as the magic
was in the totality and huge expanse of the whole. I forced myself to
focus on the individual images but could not maintain that focus. I
had to see the whole of what it was to participate in the joy and awe.
Suddenly, I noticed the buoys in the water which were not, of course, on
the land and a big AHA moment came into my being. AS ABOVE, SO
BELOW. I am sure you have heard that expression. Which reality was
real? ABOVE was heaven and BELOW was the earth. Yet the earth was
mirroring heaven except for some glitches in the creation such as the buoys.
Above us (heaven) is the perfection of creation, all is as it is supposed to be.
We humans(earth) are a reflection of that perfection but we have super-
imposed our own ideas of what should be so we have added a human
touch to what was originally perfection. Neither is right nor wrong, it
just is our perception that is different.
As you can see, I am struggling to share my deepest interpretation of
this experience which defies description. I only wish I could share
the enormity of that moment. In fact, as I was preparing to leave
shortly, I had to pull myself away so I could be on time for yoga.
That “enlightment” stayed with me for hours though. I tried to
share it with my yoga instructor. I know she “FELT” what I was
trying to convey even though I just could not totally put it into words.
This morning, I received another gift from the lake. I am so blessed to
now have the time (most of the time) to ponder the messages I am
receiving from above. My sincerest wish is that you have a moment
to ponder the miracles that are there for you to see in every moment. It
might not be a lake, but it could be a tree, flower, bird, plant, person
that wakes you up to the beauty that is there for you to see if you just
take the time to be aware of what is actually in front of you. I still practice
being in the moment as often as I can.
When I opened my blind this morning, I could see a lot of white things out on
the lake but could not see what they were. I went to my bow window and
pulled out my trusty binoculars which are used quite often in this season for
the migratory life that shows up. I could not believe my eyes, the white
things were SWANS, 18 of them. 1+8=9 and 9 is the number of completion.
I took this as a sign that I had completed a phase of my spiritual growth.
In 14 years, there was only one appearance of a swan who stayed for two
weeks. I so loved watching him/her. But 18 of them???? After I enjoyed
watching them for a while, I went to the book Animal-Speak by Ted
Andrews which includes a comprehensive dictionary of animal, bird and
reptile symbolism. A swan’s key note is: Awakening theTrue Beauty and
Power of Self and the cycle of power is: Winter. Wow, Wow, Wow.
The swan is one of the most powerful and ancient of totems(symbols).
This is reflected in its name. It is one of the oldest names in the English
language, and is has come down un-changed since AngloSaxon times.
For those with this totem, the emotions will become more sensitive, and
you will find yourself becoming more sensitive to the emotions of others,
as well.
The neck of the swan is long and graceful. It is one of the swan’s most
distinguishing features. The neck is a bridge area between the head
(higher realms) and the body (lower worlds). In the swan totem, as you
begin to realize your own true beauty, you unfold the ability to bridge to
new realms and new powers. This ability to awaken to the inner beauty
and bridge it to the outer world is part of what swan medicine can
teach. It can show how to see the inner beauty within yourself or in
others, regardless of outer appearances. When we are capable of this,
we become a magnet to others. This is reflected in the familiar story by
Hans Christian Anderssen, “The Ugly Duckling.”
Have you ever felt like an ugly duckling? Have you ever felt so different
from those around you? Know that there is a beautiful swan inside of you
and let it show to all around you. You too can be a bridge!
My wish for you is to see the beautiful swan inside yourself and be
transported to the magic and love for yourself.
Swan Lake, as you have never seen it performed.
Well Worth watching – surprises.
http://www.nzwide.com/ swanlake.htm
Love and Light
Mary Grace
www.TheWoundedChalice.com
www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
[email protected]