Last week I found a small bird trapped inside our garage. Unlike most garages, this one has a large picture window on the back wall, allowing its visitors to glimpse the nearby river.

It was against the window that the bird was furiously flapping its wings, in an apparent attempt at escape.

Both garage doors were open, but it was clear the bird had no inkling that freedom was so near.

I watched it begin to fatigue.

I worried that it might not find its way out.

I contemplated the necessity of my involvement with its plight.

It lost altitude several times, falling down the window panes as its wings beat more weakly.

I found a box and captured the bird, releasing it quickly into the wild.

Later that same day, I walked into my living room and found, once again, a small bird (similar in appearance to the first), furiously beating its wings against the river-facing picture window.

Stymied as to how a bird might make its way into my house, I watched the scenario play itself  out in exactly the same fashion as before.

I opened the front and back doors so that the bird might have additional means of egress.

The bird appeared not to notice. It continued to beat its wings. 

It fatigued. 

I captured it in a box. I released it outside.

I wondered what message the Universe might be sending, twice in one day. 

I thought about how often I, myself, had furiously attempted to reach something by one route, and found myself repeatedly thwarted.

Eventually becoming discouraged and fatigued.

Only to learn that other routes existed.

Or, truly, to feel some unseen force guiding me in a different direction--sometimes more forcefully than I would have liked.

In the end, knowing the freedom of release and resumed forward motion.

I am--we are--not so very different from our winged friends.

Being trapped is more often a state of mind than a reality.

Open doors may be closer than we think.

 

Falmouth Town Landing

May 2012

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Dr. Lisa's Bountiful Blog is read on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast. Show summaries are available on the Dr. Lisa website. Subscribe to podcasts of the show through iTunes and let us know what you think.