About a week and a half ago, I kept seeing a large shadow being cast over the house. Then, one day, I caught a glimpse of the culprit. A Bald Eagle! I had never seen one before around my home. He was huge, and left an impact on me. I always try to honor the message that nature brings with an unusual presence. One way I do that is to look up the symbolic and mystical meaning for a particular animal or bird. In Ted Andrews' book, Animal Speak, there is quite a bit written about eagles and birds of prey, who are usually regarded as messengers of Spirit. But specifically, with Bald Eagle, these words popped out at me as having meaning for my life and perhaps yours, as we continue to be sheltering in place, in this pandemic. "Willing to experience extremes in a controlled condition and thus facilitate the alchemical process within your life. Taking on the responsibility and power of being so much more than you now appear to be. Accepting a powerful new dimension of heightened responsibility for your spiritual growth."
As we go through a transformational experience, we often bounce back and forth between extremes, even opposing energies. If we stay present and endure this, then another kind of energy takes form in us. A new way of being can emerge. This requires some form of surrender, and often sitting still. When we sit in meditation, we access a larger part of ourselves, beyond the confines of the rational mind to the higher mind; beyond the physical heart to the spiritual heart. When seated in that way, and we choose to experience the "extremes in controlled conditions" we can embrace alchemy in life, taking us to a higher, yet deeper, more illuminated place. One definition of alchemy is: "...discovering methods for transmuting baser metals into gold..." What resonates with you as you read those words? Do you feel you are going through a metamorphosis at this time? Are you capable of refining yourself?
Let's face it. This "Sheltering in Place" is a Meditation Retreat we never voluntarily signed up for! Are you willing to take on the responsibility and power of being so much more than you now appear to be? What are you capable of achieving in your spiritual growth? I know for myself, this time is unique and is set apart from any other time in my life. And I feel the changes taking place within me are unique, as well.