I look out of my office window and notice a white bird flying across the water. I admire its strength: such a long stretch to cross. But then again, birds are made for distance.
What puzzles me is where it lands. Instead of settling on land, it touches down on the water at the far end of the channel. Why fly all that way only to rest there, with no companion in sight?
I return to my work and forget about it. A few minutes later, I glance outside again. The bird - now clearly a swan, not the seagull I first imagined - is drifting gently back in my direction. She floats calmly, cleaning beneath her wings and along her long neck, as if the day is winding down.
Then I notice the wind pressing against the window.
The swan had landed on the far side so the wind could carry her back across the water. Effortlessly, she drifts, letting the current of air do the work while she attends to what she needs to do. She is simply going with the flow.
Watching her, I wonder how much easier life might feel if we learned to do the same, accepting the winds that carry us forward instead of resisting every current. Of course, there are moments when we must push against the tide, to stay true to our values or stand up for what matters. But often our struggle comes from fighting what we cannot change.
Going with the flow means accepting life for what it is, a combination of good and bad times, things that are in our favour and things that are against us, accepting it all in a calm, non-partisan way, and making the most of the wind on our back.
Like the swan, calm upon the evening water, letting the wind carry her home.
(The writer is a former journalist and communications professional.)
This was a comforting read in many ways. Thank you for sharing your observations!
Subtle serene effortless dispassionate observation....