White-bellied Sea Eagle

Ah to soar, and see, like an Eagle. Up in the big blue, seeing the sharp detail of things literally kilometres away.

I watched this White-bellied Sea Eagle circle the sky for about an hour, before it finally swooped and plucked a fish out of the bay. There was some momentary drama, as the fish tried to slip its grip, and seagulls tried to swoop in on the action, before it returned to the safety of a high vantage point.

With a 340-degree visual field, White-bellied Sea Eagles spend most of their time in the expansiveness of the bigger picture. Yet they still need to swoop down and face drama and conflict sometimes, as it's necessary for their wellbeing.

Thus, they remind me of both the importance of 'zooming out' in times of conflict or fracture, and also the necessity of diving into conflict sometimes.

To the first point, I find when I'm embroiled in something emotionally, it can be so hard to see things clearly. I get swept up in the drama, start taking everything as a personal attack, and furthermore, start stockpiling all these different reasons as to why I'm right, or why I've been wronged.

In these moments, I can think of the Sea Eagle, and momentarily remove myself from a situation, take some space, some clear air, some breathing room. I can zoom out to consider things from the other person's perspective, and let love return.

To the second point, in this open space it also becomes clear to see that conflict isn't necessarily a bad thing! In a conflict-avoidant modern age we might be missing out on the gifts that tension can bring. Conflict can mean we want a resolution. And not being afraid of conflict can actually show someone that we care deeply for them, and want to improve how we can relate to them. Is temporary tension not better than harbouring feelings over time that grow into resentment? With this in mind, I have the confidence to dive back in knowing it's for the best.

If we keep one eye on the bigger picture, we see that conflict can lead to a positive outcome for both parties. Allowing those involved to feel more seen, more heard, and to grow stronger in relationship to each other.

And so the White-bellied Sea Eagle teaches us to embrace conflict, but we also mustn't be consumed by it.

Is there some conflict or fracture in your life right now? Could you benefit from zooming out? Or is there some conflict that needs to happen, which you can dive into trusting that it's positive in the big picture?