As I lay in bed this morning listening to wood pigeons, it dawned on me I didn’t just enjoy their vocalisations but also the beating of their wings.
I like the sound of them mustering the strength needed to propel their body skyward.
I began to reflect upon the word ‘flapping’.
The negative connotations humans have imposed upon it.
“Stop flapping!”
“You’re getting yourself in a flap!”
The suggestion of it leading nowhere.
Of it being synonymous with frustration, worry, futility.
But ‘flapping’ serves purpose for both person and bird.
We shake ourselves out, release anything that may be holding us back.
It takes energy to raise oneself from the ground.
It takes confidence to know you can successfully take off.
It takes faith to trust the wind beneath your wings.
It can take several attempts before you get anywhere.
But guess what?
Preparation is key, practise makes perfect
And
It all starts with flapping, feeling a little nervy, unsure.
Letting go.
Trust the process!
Next time you find yourself seemingly going nowhere, not making progress, reassure yourself it’s a shakedown before a soar.
And
If someone dares tells you you’re ‘flapping’, be sure to remind them
It’s because…..
YOU were made to FLY!
What a lovely idea!
There is nothing I find more evocative of a warm summer evening than the sound of wood pigeons. So calming.
Beautiful cup, too.
Thanks for this lovely piece of optimism.