Every year for the past 25 years, I have made an annual pilgrimage in winter to view the bald eagles along the Skagit River. I’ve learned a few soulful insights in that duration.
Until that time, I don’t recall seeing a bald eagle in the wild. I remember seeing one during a second-grade field trip to the Louisville Zoo. There I saw a bald eagle perched in a fenced-in outdoor area. As a kid, I was enthralled by the enormity of the bird.
Twenty-five years ago, when I first moved to the Seattle area, I saw a few bald eagles around the Puget Sound area, thinking this was one of the coolest things to see. I also remember reading in the Seattle Times that there was a bald eagle migration season north of Seattle where one could see large numbers of bald eagles. While venturing north on a December morning in 1996, I saw over 50 eagles in the area. I was hooked. I have been traveling there every year since then.
Soulful Insights
Here are a few soulful insights I’ve learned along the way.
- 1. There are places among creation that beckon us to solitude and nurture our soul, the core battery of our existence. Eagles and mountains do that for me.
- 2. Dwell in the atmosphere of contemplation, meaning intentional observation. Gaze upon life, both inwardly and outwardly, with the fullness of our heart, soul, and senses.
- 3. Spending time experiencing a connection with nature helps keep life in perspective.
- 4. Even with the enormity of their size, eagles possess majestic beauty and grace.
- 5. Slow down to drive the back roads of life now and then and be mindful of what you experience.
- 6. Respect the mystery and wonder of nature. With eagles, you can’t get too close to them in their natural habitat.
- 7. There is something breath-taking about seeing an eagle in the wild.
- 8. Absorb the moments when the beauty of creation stops you in your tracks and moves you to a deeper level of wonder.
- 9. When you make a spiritual trek in nature, either go alone or only take your closest soul friends with you – only they will understand your intention.
Trek toward Authenticity
- 10. Eagles live from their authentic creation – they cannot be anything else but themselves – eagles. Live from a place that is only your genuine self.
- 11. Eagles remind us to keep it simple – just be yourself.
- 12. Solitude can be the most nourishing time for your spirit. Seek out those experiences and places for your soul.
- 13. Take your time to discover those pockets of creation that remind you of the sacredness of our inter-connectedness.
- 14. Eagles exude presence, strength, protection (they keep watch over their young), and stillness. Remember to lean on these elements, especially when we are overwhelmed by worry or fear.
- 15. Eagles, like all of nature, are very intentional about life (it is a matter of life and death for them). Act to live in the fullness of life.
- 16. When you are prepared and ready (10 Essentials), allow the experience of being in creation to overwhelm you with gratitude. That adventure never gets old.
- 17. It doesn’t take a lot of time in nature to keep you grounded in what matters most about life.
Attitudes of Spirit
- 18. Soulful time – breathe deeply of life and breathe out stress, worry, fear, anxiety.
- 19. Contemplative time – keep watch and connect deeply with creation.
- 20. Solitude – being alone and feeling grounded with the self as opposed to loneliness which is being alone and longing for connection with others.
- 21. Courage – inspiration to believe and act in the goodness of life, especially at times when we weary of despair.
- 22. Stillness – engage in the art of slowing down that leads to the peacefulness of being.
- 23. Strength – discover that our heartbeat pounds a little stronger in love and hope while beating to the rhythm of nature that infuses life with wholeness.
- 24. Gratitude – drink deeply of thankfulness by the whole experience of eagle watching (or other experience of nature), discovering a deeper connection with the Creator who made us both.
- 25. One of my favorite quotes from Anne Lamott is, “I didn’t need to understand the hypostatic unity of the Trinity; I just needed to turn my life over to whoever came up with redwood trees.” (From Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith). The quote by Lamott reminds me that spirituality doesn’t have to be
difficult . I need to turn my life over to whoever came up with eagles and mountains. The eagle viewing pilgrimage reminds me of the lifelong journey with my higher power.
Eagle Viewing Stats
Throughout these past 25 years, I kept track of the number of eagles I saw each year – 742 so far and still counting. Every year I drove alongside the Skagit River. One year I took a float trip down the river where I saw the most in one visit – 115.
If You Go
There is a Bald Eagle Festival every year in Rockport, WA. Eagles migrate from the north to the Skagit River area in winter. The best times for viewing are December – January. Driving along the river is one of the easiest ways to see the eagles. The float trip I did was through the Skagit River Guide Service.
Your Turn
I connect with eagles and mountains. What about you? How do you resonate with stillness, solitude, and gratitude in your life? Where have you discovered your soulful insights? What have you learned about yourself in those moments?
I welcome your comments.
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