I am a great lover of watching birds soar – especially eagles. Years ago when I had enough gumption (or something else, depending on which way you wish to look at it) to get a tattoo, I chose a west coast Canadian Indian ceremonial eagle. I had dreams when I was younger of riding the currents, dipping and diving at will – as the eagles did.

When we first moved here, and saw a large bird floating on the wind currents in front of our view, I immediately assumed it was some kind of eagle. There were times when there were 2 or 4 birds soaring, coming close to our balcony – it was amazing to watch. Their freedom, their wingspan, their ability to float on the wind without using their wings.

THEN…I found out they were not eagles. Turns out they are Turkey Vultures. My immediate reaction was distaste. Vultures in my mind were birds which picked at rotten flesh. This was no longer my beautiful eagle visual.

WHY?

Had the birds flight capabilities changed? Had the wingspan become less than impressive? Had their ability to catch the wind and soar been eradicated? NO! So…why had my reaction to seeing them soar change? It was all about what connection I attached to what a vulture is?

Since I found out the birds I was watching were vultures, I have been pondering my perspective and adjusting it. Recognizing my limiting thoughts and reminding myself of the joy I felt in watching them (or any bird which has these abilities).

This morning there were a half dozen or so of these large birds swooping and soaring on the wind currents immediately in front of our verandah. I caught a video of ones flight. I found joy in their flight. How they eat or what they eat – it’s nature as it was meant to be.

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Wayne Dyer