It is so fascinating to watch an osprey fish for his breakfast. He will spot a fish from where he is flying high above the water, he folds his wings against his body and then he splashes into the water and catches the fish. Somehow, he is immediately back in the air, holding the fish in his grasp, the fish’s head facing forward, aerodynamically efficient. Then he flies away to find a tree or pole in which to enjoy his meal.
Sometimes, however, the fish is too heavy to lift out of the water. The osprey, rather than release his meal, will hang on tenaciously, even until the weight of the fish pulls the bird under the water, drowning him.
I witnessed an osprey not long ago, struggling thus. He did manage to get airborne enough to reach land safely with his prize but it gave me pause, time to consider and examine all the ways I allow persons or circumstances to nearly drown me before I let go.
For me, it has mostly been romantic relationships, hanging in there long after the funeral dirge, mirroring what appears to be stupidity, on the part of the osprey, but persistence on the part of humans.
How about you? What do you need to let go in order to feel freedom?
Anger and resentment?
Self-criticism and self-judgment?
A job?
Toxic relationships with family, friends or others?
As we prepare to move forward into 2012, is it time to release that which threatens to drown you, pulling you down, down, down?
Like the osprey.
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