The Direction of Intention

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Today is the day of the osprey. In mythology and some spiritual traditions, the osprey is associated with the sun and the healing aspects of the sun. The sun hasn’t shown itself much in Seattle these past few months so it is especially auspicious that today, of all days, a clear bright, sunny Seattle morning, an osprey would be in the neighborhood.

I have walked the shores of Puget Sound every morning for eight years. There are eagles that live in the neighborhood, crows, seagulls, pigeons, finches, swallows, ducks, and geese of many varieties that migrate through; this is the first time I have seen an osprey. Their markings are distinct, Egyptian to my eyes, and they have the unique ability to hover unassisted by the wind. They are magic.

I stopped and watched it soar up the coast riding the shoreline looking for prey. Then, just as it was passing in front of me, it scribed a small circle, tucked its wings, and like an arrow pierced the water. The fish it caught must have been feisty or too big to lift; the osprey sat, wings spread flat atop the water, bobbing with the waves. And then, it tried to lift itself, wings flapping, pulling the fish into the air, and collapsed back into the water.

News of the potential feast spread fast and scavenger birds of all shapes and sizes appeared crying their cry of entitlement, jockeying for position to collect their piece of the prize. The osprey tried again to lift itself with no luck. And, again. And, again. After several more attempts (and much complaining from the scavengers) it finally released its grip. The fish swam free and the osprey took to the sky, first hovering to flap its wings free of water before continuing on its way down the coast.

I was exhausted from the struggle and wondered how the osprey had the energy to fly after such a heroic effort. What story would the fish tell its school pals? Surely they had run for deeper water thinking their schoolmate was abducted by an alien.

Grateful for my front row seat to this ballet of opportunity seized, lost and gained (oh lucky fish!) I closed my eyes and faced the sun, drinking it in after so long an absence. This ballet needs no interpretation.

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