Taking Flight
January 1, 2009 · by Christine
Red Bird Explains Himself (excerpt)
I am both of the earth and I am of the inexplicable
beauty of heaven
where I fly so easily, so welcome, yes,
and this is why I have been sent, to teach this to your heart.
-Mary Oliver, from Red Bird: Poems
I awoke this morning, on New Year’s Day, with a heart full of hope. Last year was brimming with new possibilities and the year ahead brings with it so many adventures and invitations to dance on the edges of things, I am absolutely dizzy with anticipation.
In a most ordinary moment, I was taking sweet Tune for her morning walk today, when as I returned a flock of pigeons took flight across the street. A fairly common occurrence in the heart of the city, and yet this morning I had this transcendent moment where I felt myself lifted with them, my breath stopped, heart taking flight, and I knew right then this was my symbol for the year ahead.
A moment later I turned toward the front door of my building and found a feather on my doorstep. A sacred gift from above, from beyond, from within. No matter its origin, its destination is my altar.
“I am both of the earth and I am of the inexplicable / beauty of heaven” says Saint Mary* speaking for the red bird. Seeing those wings swoop up and down, I joined them. I knew myself to be both of the earth and of the sky, felt it in my bones and across my skin.
So tell me dear readers:
What is the symbol that carries you forward into the year ahead?
(yes, I am back from my blog break just a bit early. 
The photo on top was taken on Vancouver Island in summer 2007, the photo below was of my feather found this morning, both edited in the digital darkroom.)
(c) Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts:
Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts
*Saint Mary=Mary Oliver. I had a student from the Unitarian Universalist tradition who once told me that because Mary Oliver was UU also, she was the closest thing they had to a Saint and so was sometimes referred to as “Saint Mary.” I could hardly disagree.
** Visit the NEW YEAR SALE at the ABBEY SHOP **
Posted in Advent Christmas Epiphany, Nature, Spirituality | 9 Comments »
January 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 am
Ah, what beautiful moments they are, those unexpected transcendences, when the world looks newly-washed and coloured.
My symbol for this year has not yet been revealed to me. Perhaps it will, soon.
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
My symbol for this year is a WHITE BIRD IN FLIGHT. White birds in flight have a particular significance for me, a good omen. I’m fortunate to live in an area of the country where they are quite common. I’ve added a reminder everywhere I can.
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I had 12 beautiful, different types of birds in our back yard yesterday, which was a new record and quite amazing. It had me in tears of joy as I am welcomed into the new year with bird energy.
I read something very interesting about choosing just one word to act as your touchstone/resolution word for the year. I am still pondering that word for myself! New Year blessings to you.
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
My Symbol for the year.I think a dove. I felt the same feeling of flight though earlier today when I saw a flock of geese flying overhead.
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
My once a year retreat is entitled, “Nesting.” This is such a lovely excerpt, Christine, and will fit in well. Of course, I think I need the whole book now! Methinks Saint Mary has come up with something quite extraordinary!
I did a session on prayer beads and loved the meaning for the bird which “mediates between heaven and earth.”
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
I love that you shared this moment with us. Yes, those moments of transcendence are spectacular. I believe my symbol for this year is Fire. It reminds me too of “dancing on the edges” as well as transcending. Exciting stuff all!! xoxo
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
I love the many bird and flight connections, my heart soared at each story!
and fire feels pretty strong too for me lucy!
January 4th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Wow, did you paint that, or is it a photograph? (the taking flight picture)
It’s really wonderful!
January 4th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Thanks Chandi, I did take the photo and edited it in Photoshop to give it a more ethereal look.