We all have more power than we know. It’s just a matter of tapping into it and accepting the energetic flow. Marry power with intention, a plan, and high impact action and you have the recipe for greatness! In working with clients and on myself, I’ve found power and inspiration from some unusual sources. This week it was from a Great Blue Heron.
Herons hold a special place in my heart. After my horse Dixie passed, a great blue heron flew over her grave then shifted course and flew directly over my head. It squawked as it passed and I could see its feet tucked neatly under its body. I felt it had a message.
This week I had a couple of close encounters with the heron. Yesterday I walked out of the barn as it was flying by. It was flying low, about six feet off the ground. Startled to see me, the enormous bird stopped mid-air, flapped its wings and dropped its feet to rebalance. Those feet nearly touched my head! Today as I checked the mailbox, a heron walked across the road a few feet from me. We stared at each other for a moment. Its yellow eyes gazed at me before it moved into the bushes.
Of course I had to recheck the symbolism. Here’s part of what I found: heron people “do not feel pressured to keep up with the Joneses, or be traditional in their life roles…They stand out in their uniqueness, and they know how to take advantage of things and events that the average person would not even bother with… when the heron flies, its head is folded back in a flat S-shaped loop. This reflects the innate wisdom of being able to maneuver through life and control its life circumstances. It reflects a need for those with this totem to follow their own innate wisdom and path of self-determination. You know what is best for you and should follow it…” (Animal Speak, Ted Andrews).
Herons are also incredibly balanced waders and graceful flyers. This bird has much to teach us all. Here are five lessons to empower your results:
- Uniqueness – Herons are unique birds with an unusual shape and lifestyle. They are solitary birds who thrive in both water and on land. Embrace your unique style, approach, thinking, etc. Empower your own uniqueness and share it with the world.
- Patience and Persistence – Herons are patient and persistent predators and can wait for a long time before striking. They know exactly the right environment in which to stand and wait. Are you in the right pond? How long will you keep showing up before you lose patience? Be calm and confident in the right place. If you’re in the wrong place, fly to another pond.
- Precision – Herons have sharp bills that strike and kill in an instant. How precise are you in your requests, desires, sales, and vision of your goal? How sharp are your skills? Be prepared!
- Opportunistic – Herons are opportunistic hunters. Their primary diet is fish and frogs, however they also eat small mammals, reptiles and even birds. Always explore new ways to advance yourself, your perspective, and your understanding of others. Nourish yourself by exploring new ways to meet potential prospects, close deals, share new learning, and contribute to society.
- Silent – Herons spend a great deal of time in silent observation before they strike. Take time each day to sit in silence and to reflect.
If you’d like support sharpening your skills for deeper impact or empowering your goals, give me a call. Tell me the heron referred you. Here’s to working and living by your own design! – Shari