Free and Limitless

"We all have a genius within us

and when one of us doesn't develop

or use our special gift,

a cosmic void takes place."

 

Madisyn Taylor

Daily Om

In 1970, Richard Bach wrote, "JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL" and several other books followed.  Richard Bach became one of my favorite authors, and I impatiently waited for each of his works.  He was an inspiration then and continues to be so today.

"JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL" appears to be a simple book, but within the first pages the reader realizes there is great depth to this story.  It is a small book to be read easily in one sitting, but the story remains with the reader forever.

Richard Bach easily engages us with his characters.  We identify with a seagull facing the illusion of limitations and boundaries.  He challenges us to test our untested beliefs and to experience the pleasure of freedom and flight.  We begin to understand how lessons are meant to be mastered so we can return and help others.  We soon notice the bigger picture, not to overshadow us, but to encourage us to see how our unique contribution to life is inserted into the whole.  Each of us are a significant piece enabling  life to be complete.  Our unique spirit is a significant part in forming completion.

Frequently, we get stuck at the thought we have to make a contribution to the whole.  We think in terms of being a rocket scientist, an inventor, artist, or star of some sort.  We are depleted before we begin with such high expectations.  These expectations, however, are not what we are called to complete.

If we happen to be a rocket scientist, an inventor, artist, or star of some sort, then great; but life is calling us to grow into a person of integrity.  Whatever we choose to be in life, what label or role, is of significance, but not the vital thread.  The kind of person we come to be and how we help others is the underlying goal.  As we work on becoming accomplished, how do we help others?  How do we give back? 

As a materialistic culture, we can either have too many things or not enough.  When asked to 'help' others, we immediately think of finances.  Our financial status can help others, but again, the underlying goal is supplying unique abilities to others.  The art of giving is not necessarily about material goods or money. 

As human beings evolving into spiritual awareness, we honor our selves and the the existence of all others.  We embrace diversity and begin to recognize our own personal strengths.  The art of giving involves respect, and honor.  It is through sharing and cooperation we begin to break down the walls of being separate.  We begin to see the illusion of fear.  We receive the ability to take flight ... to be free and limitless.