Weekly Words
At My Life's Work, we view opportunities for reflection as important in building self-awareness and personal wisdom. Through our "weekly words," we seek to support this process.

Each weekly piece and its accompanying questions invite your response - whether it's the form of journaling, or an early morning walk, or a conversation with a professional colleague, a family member, a friend.

If you would like to share your thoughts in response to ours, please email us.
Click here for an archive of past submissions.
 
 
3/30/10
 
Let's Go Ride A Kite
When I think of the end of March, one of the first things that comes to my mind are kites.

The simplest explanation is that at month's end in Washington DC (where I live), there is an annual kite-flying day on the Washington Monument grounds. Perhaps, it's the city planner's way of inviting "children" (young and old) out of their cocoons - an invitation that perhaps would not be as appreciated during other times of year.

I, on the other hand, appreciate kites anytime of the year. For me, kites inspire. The word alone is uplifting in the imagery it evokes. Moreover, I think it's pretty safe to say that every person I know who has successfully navigated a kite's spool of string has experienced delight and perhaps much more. Childlike glee rises to the top in the company of a kite's successful sail.

I think the human spirit seeks to embody the messages of the kite - messages of height and flight. In all its glory, a kite (and most other sky embracing things) :
  • Defies gravity. It says "I'm not going to let things bring me down."
  • Enjoys a broader view. It taunts, "I can see what you can't see."
  • Symbolizes the joy that follows a successful climb. It exclaims, "Look what I did."
  • Conveys strength. It issues a warning to the wind and other flying objects, "Don't mess with me."
I'm not suggesting that these messages fall on entirely deaf ears. I know and am envious of people who are kite-like in their behavior. I do think, however, that for the majority of us, natural, understandable, honorable things get in our way of achieving higher ground despite our interest or motivation. It's strange logic but I think our attraction to being grounded (or feeling safe or protecting the status quo) explains our parallel yearning to fly, take risks, throw caution to the wind.

An early day in Spring, with flying object in hand, does not have to be our only, albeit vicarious, outlet. We can use the kite's messages to propel our individual climbs.

The options are bountiful when it comes to achieving new heights. On one end of the spectrum, it's simply about daily, physical presence. It's a somewhat amazing phenomenon but when I teach exercise classes, all I have to say to my participants is "stand tall" and the whole room changes as shoulder and spines do. On the other end of the spectrum, for every one of us, there is a tall mountain (real or metaphoric) to experience. Where we may differ is in our acceptance that the challenges of the ascent not only tear but repair muscle. When we climb, so does our self-confidence, vitality, power, and, of course, vision of new landscapes.

So…if ideas of height and flight inspire you (or, for that matter, possibly scare you), consider the following:

  • What is your relationship to height and flight?
  • What changes do you seek in that relationship? What kite-like messages do you seek to convey?
  • How can you specifically achieve higher ground or a taller stance?
  • What's possible when you do?
Please email us your thoughts.