As I meditated on my porch this afternoon, I sunk into the chatter of a huge flock of birds - 200+ of them - that had settled into the tops of my oak and walnut trees. This incredible phenomenon happens several times a year, in the spring and fall, as the blackbirds and grackles migrate.

In the fall, they stop in my trees before they feast on the field corn across the street that hasn’t been harvested yet. In the spring, they stop just to rest and sing, i guess.

I’m always in awe of the miracle and mystery of migration; I’ve been a bird lover since my childhood in California. Living in the Midwest, I have a ringside seat twice a year.

I’m filled with wonder at the way they start and stop chattering, all at once, to a bird. I’m amazed at the big ‘whumph’ sound they make when the whole flock takes flight in synchronized rhythm.

We humans often imbue migrating birds with qualities of determination, perseverance, courage, and a sense of purpose.

But I think the birds are just doing what birds do.

And I think that’s what we are called to do, too. Just be who we are and do what we do.

I write because that’s what I do. I paint because that’s what I do. I coach because that’s what I do. It isn’t about good or bad, worthy or not, courageous or not. It is just what I do.

I’m going to try to keep it that simple.

Those birds are several miles south right now, but they left me with a feeling of ease, peace and freedom. I’m grateful.

Filed under: Adventures of a Reinventer on September 23rd, 2007