Persevere

The bluebird carries the sky on his back. 

                                                                                - Thoreau

I adore the large blue and orange blossoms of the tropical flower, Bird of Paradise; it has captivated my imagination on more than one occasion.  The flower resembles a brightly colored bird in flight and represents joyfulness and utopia. They are native to South Africa (known as Crane flowers); but have been cultivated in Florida, California, and Hawaii. I am fortunate to have memories in each location where the delightful flower grows.  For all their beauty, they are not delicate but quite resilient – a trait I admire and aspire too.

Then there is another Bird of Paradise that I encounter with more regularity, it is the unglamorous yoga pose by the same name.  I have yet to master the complicated pose that requires inordinate strength and balance. I am weekly humbled in yoga classes as stronger bodies seem to move into the pose with ease. Nevertheless, I am where I am in my yoga practice; better than I was last year, but not where I want to be. Next time I attempt the pose I will think of the flower instead of the pose and persevere – after all, isn’t that closer to paradise?