Allusive. Beautiful. Bold. Free.
She brings the sky down with her quiet authority.
Suddenly, silently, she captures her hunt.
Barred Owls are very territorial creatures, especially the females during nesting seasons. They do the majority of their hunting at dawn and dusk and are amazingly efficient as predators. They have a remarkable ability to focus, as well as keen eye sight and hearing.
In literature and mythology they are seen to hold the attributes of wisdom, a deep connection to the cosmos, creative ability and stand for vivaciousness, knowledge of personal boundaries and generosity.
The barred owl, in her fields of gold, is a picture of how we can believe and receive into our lives those things that we desire.
When we have a belief that is based in truth, we can know that what we desire can be realised and that we will see evidence of it our lives if we continue to hold onto it as truth.
On a personal level, I pray for what it is that I'm needing and confess the truths that testify to that fact that it is available and I can have it. Than I can have confidence that I will receive. I need to see a vision of the hope that I have fixed my faith and desire to. This is where my painting practise can be so powerful for me. So I begin to open my heart to this new reality and practise gratitude as though it is already in my hands or in my field. Sometimes with that clarity we can just go create it in practical ways, other times it may need to come through connections or systems we are already part of. Other times, by manifested miracle or providence. So the method of delivery may vary but at a heart level I become open to receiving it through thankfulness, and this in the present tense, 'yes, it's mine'.
The truth that we set our hearts on needs to be protected, just as the barred owl protects its territory from intruders, especially during nesting. We can often know that the dream is fragile, during these times, stepping out to show the world our gifts and talents would not be productive for us because we have just birthed something that needs to be developed. It needs time and space and nourishment. To do this, I like to take at least three promises, proverbs, psalms or universal truths, write them down and recite them to myself while looking at the picture of hope (see examples below). This changes the way I understand my situation and keeps hope at the front of my mind. I call it bold believing.
Taking a step toward positive growth or receiving something new into our lives, may require us to hold our emotions in check long enough to receive, because often when we take a step out to do something bold or new we hit resistance, and obstacles may suddenly present themselves. Or we may have to overcome personal weakness and self sabotage on our journey to our dream. This is an opportunity to grow and develop because what we are asking for, may be beyond our abilities in the 'right now'. Discouragement can quickly blow through our lives like a storm of doubt, so where we had faith now we start to waver. If we continue to stay open to truth, possibilities and blessing we will stand bold again, especially if we continue to see the vision of what it is we are bringing into our lives. There is abundance and we can own our space, our desires and have our needs met. One of the most impacting things I've ever been told is this, "In any situation, if you take responsibility, then you hold the power." I've found this to be true.
So in hope, I see the wisdom of the barred owl and say, "these are my golden fields".
Proverbs for meditation:
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalms 16:6
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:4
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
John11:40
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