The Feather

​Today I found a Blue Jay Feather.
 
It reminded me of the story I wrote years ago. I find it comforting to believe that I am always connected to a divine hand that guides my life and at times tangibly reminds me that I am loved and supported. I think the key to peace in this life is holding that awareness at all times in our day to day existence. It takes practice and discipline to remain connected to the Grace that surrounds and guides us. Yet, it is a practice that is deeply fulfilling and has a way of touching your heart in ways that you know it is real.
 
Here is my story written after a great loss in my life…
 
 
The Blue Jay Feather from 8/24/09
 
It was a lovely summer’s morning. Finally, I thought, I can take a walk, commune with nature, and restore my sad soul. The neighborhood will do. I walked to the lake on the dead-end road listening to the gentle wind rustle the brilliant green leaves. The richness of summer smells, pollen, grasses and wildflowers; the buzzing of insects known and unknown; all were a soothing balm for my aching heart.
 
I let the flavors bathe my senses while I reached out to the universe for comfort guidance and connection in a silent prayer. Give me a sign Lord, let me know you hear me and are with me on this day, I prayed. I want to know that I do not walk alone in this life.
 
I can bear most anything when I know I am not alone. Such was the beacon cast forth from my heart with each step on the asphalt road. The creak of my hiking boots not unlike the sound of a saddle. It was a steady rhythm that was hypnotic and comforting as I opened my senses to the inputs from my world.
 
Up the hill around the lake headed toward home the beacon still pulsing in my heart when I saw a shiny blue glimmer out of the corner of my eye. Not enough to stop the hypnotic rhythm, yet, it did penetrate the meditative state in a step or two that I had just stepped over a gift from the heavens. There is not much that is shiny and blue in the plant world.
 
I turned around and looked down. There it was neat and crisp perfect and deep blue. The feather from heaven. Sharp black bands marked its surface. I savored the gift casting forth a deeply reverent thank you unsure of the meaning, but accepting that it is profound.
 
I carried my treasure home feeling blessed and connected to Grace. I placed the feather gently on my altar and rushed to prepare for work; silently asking to understand the meaning.

It was a busy day; I even had a dinner meeting, an unusual detour for an overworked doctor. I never have been particularly keen about social events. The staff wanted to go so I was called to be shepherd to my flock.
 
I was late. What could I say I have a lot of demands on my time? My seat was already chosen. I silently snuck in as the program began. Half way through the meal the young man next to me turned to me and said, Dorothy is that you???
 
I paused opened my senses to meaning and synchronicity and turned to recognize a well-respected chiropractor and colleague, we will call him Dr. Jay (His name really starts with J). I did not recognize him. It had been seven years. Now, Dr. Jay is a shamanic healer and a lover of spirit he heals many in his office in Mentor. We shared stories of lost love and synchronicity. It was good to be able to share soul with someone; quite an unusual phenomenon for a medical social event. Any how he begins to tell me a story of love and synchronicity.
 
Shortly after losing his last relationship one of his patients tried to cheer him up and asked him to go golfing. They are out on the golf course talking about the woes of love and Dr. Jay’s wise friend asked him had he ever asked God for help in finding a love relationship. Dr. Jay realized that he had not ever invoked the divine in his love life. It was an interesting concept worthy of further consideration. He made a mental note to give it some time.
 
They continued their game and moments later Dr. Jay hit his ball off into the woods. His friend said no worry just hit another one. Dr. Jay agreed no harm in that and proceeded to strike again. The ball went to the exact same spot. The friend laughed and said “what the hay, go again.” Dr. Jay, however, paused and said there is a message here. I want to see what is between those 2 balls.
 
Shamanic senses on alert Dr. Jay treads to the edge of the woods he sees his two balls a few inches apart and there on the ground between them is something shiny and blue. Not like we haven’t heard that before, right????
 
My mouth falls open as I am held in suspense at the next words to pour from his mouth.
 
Yeah, it was a blue jay feather bright blue you know the kind with the black bar stripes on it. Yeah, I thought dumbfounded as my soul came to full attention and he continues.
 
So, my friend’s wife is a shamanic healer, he says, so we called her to see what the significance of the blue jay feather is in the spirit world.
 
She said…
 
The blue jay feather is a message from the creator that you are cared for and that you have been given permission to ask God to grant you a boon i.e. anything you wish….
 
There it is the answer to my gift all wrapped up in a divinely orchestrated synchronicity. I marveled at the grace and glory of God and the privilege of my tangible connection. I live for that; it makes my life have deep meaning and sacredness that I cherish with every fiber of my being. It is my life blood this tangible relationship with spirit.
 
I shared my story with Dr. Jay and he blessed the grace of the moment we both left with healing for love. Reverently, I returned home and took the feather from my altar, I bowed down before God in my heart holding the feather before me and cast out my prayer for the healing of my heart.
 
 
I am ever grateful for the abundance of Grace available to us all in each moment. It only requires we pay attention and see through the eyes of our heart.
 
My prayer for each of you is that the wonder of Grace be tangible and present for each of you. That you may know no matter what or how we struggle, Grace is there to guide and support us all.
 
May your journey be blessed and filled with the tangible blessing of the Divine.