“Don’t call it uncertainty—call it wonder. Don’t call it insecurity—call it freedom.” ~Osho
My daughter loves birds. So, as a treat, we all went to a Bird of Prey center near to where we live. Here in the UK, there is a long tradition of keeping these birds. As stated on one hawking site, falconry is “the noble sporting art of flying trained birds of prey.”
Noble or not, I have an issue with keeping birds captive. I had hoped that, in the center we would be visiting, these would be rescue birds.
They weren’t.
They were raised in captivity, slightly better than being caught in the wild, but only slightly. There was one area I referred to as Prisoner’s Row. Big, powerful and noble birds like falcons and kestrel chained to a post. A long row of them stuck there for visitors to gawk at.
Yes, they are beautiful, and amazing to see up close, but they are much more beautiful to see flying up there in the wild expanse of sky.
In any case, we were there for the Owl Experience. One by one, they brought out owls, starting with the smallest burrowing owls and getting bigger until the huge and majestic European eagle owl was brought out.
The birds were coaxed over to the leather gauntlet our kids were given to wear. They were stunning and tolerant of us, but it was clear they were doing something against their nature. Owls are not meant to perch on human arms. These owls have been trained to do so, but trained against all natural inclinations.
Then we went out to the flying arena where our children fed them. Chopped up bits of baby chick feet were dangled temptingly in the air then placed on a gauntlet, and eventually and very reluctantly the owl swooped down and picked up the morsel.
They weren’t good flyers, these birds. They knew how to fly but their muscles were weak. They flew short distances and preferred to hop.
It all left me feeling uncomfortable. It was a privilege to see these beautiful creatures up close, but at what cost?
Perhaps it makes me uncomfortable because it is uncomfortably close to our own limited experience of life.
As I watched the owls soar within the flying arena, I wondered why they didn’t simply soar off to freedom. They weren’t chained. Their wings were not clipped. They could do it, if they chose to.
But they stayed. They hopped and half-flew to each wiggly bit of chick foot and hop-flew back to their post, with thinly veiled resentment. But they stayed. And then, after the show, they allowed themselves to be carried back to their cage.
Why?
Perhaps the birds are as susceptible to the lure of certainty as we are.
There is the certain provision of chick feet if they fly to their keeper’s arms and back to a post within a small outdoor arena. After all, having been raised in captivity, that’s all they’ve known.
And then there is the great, wild uncertainty that exists beyond the arena. Will there be food there? Will they be able to catch it? Are there unknown dangers lurking in that great blue expanse of sky?
And here’s the clunky metaphor. My husband and I are in our own sort of flying arena at the moment. We’re both in regular jobs, jobs that more often frustrate than inspire, getting regular paychecks.
We’re eating with these paychecks. It may be our own version of chick feet, but, hey, we’re eating. We are testing our wings, though. Flying a bit further. But, for the moment, we are returning to our keeper’s arms.
We gaze out at that broad blue expanse. We know we’re capable of more. We know we haven’t really tested ourselves; we haven’t really indulged our deeper passions. It seems to me that we’ve all been trained to do things against our true nature, and have grown up in this limited, but safe, way.
The few times I’ve flown into uncertain territory have been terrifying but thrilling.
As it has been said, uncertainty is the only certainly. To resist it is to resist our true nature. To resist it is to stay trapped, to accept the cage, the gauntlet, the chick foot for supper. To embrace the uncertain is to fly beyond the arena into that beautiful blue expanse of freedom.
We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the owls can do it. Not just can, we all intuitively know that they should do it. To live in the freedom of uncertainty is infinitely better than to live in the security of captivity.
We know this and wish this better life for the owls. Why, then, can’t we know it and create it for ourselves?
So this is my challenge, to myself, and to you, should you choose to accept it: try something you’ve never done before. Taste something you’ve never tasted before. Read someone you’ve never read before. Say something you’ve never said before. Write something you’ve never written before and then share it.
Step into the unknown and feel it—that ground dropping away, breath-catching feeling. That’s the feeling of the limitless expanse of creative potential. That’s life as it’s meant to be lived.
Man and birds image via Shutterstock
About Lucie Wilk
Lucie Wilk is a medical doctor and author. She is committed to revitalizing the healthcare system from the ground up, educating for health empowerment. She has founded Life Suture, a website dedicated to providing people with the tools and knowledge to create healthy and fulfilled lives. You can connect on her website or twitter @lifesuture.
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Just love this, Lucie! As we know now, at it’s deepest level, the “facts” of life are uncertain. I especially love, “Step into the unknown and feel it—that ground dropping away, breath-catching feeling. That’s the feeling of the limitless expanse of creative potential. That’s life as it’s meant to be lived.”
SO true! Thank You.
It’s difficult, I suppose, wanting children to see these birds up close, but knowing the repercussions. As to moving out of my comfort zone: Fear of fear is the issue for me, I think, Lucie. Hopefully the more I’m aware of that, the closer I get to testing the limits …
Fear of fear – so true. The next question is: what is fear there to do? To keep us safe, which is a sensible goal! But if we long for something more than what is safe and familiar, then I feel we need to drum up the courage to test the unknown, even if it’s just dipping a toe, to prove to our subconscious that it’s not so scary after all and maybe even a bit exciting! Regarding the birds – yes, I certainly left with very mixed feelings.
Thanks, Susan. The more I think about it, the more I feel that life is a creative act. And the more conscious we can be about it, the more we’ll enjoy it.
Hi Lucie
As I read your amazing article, it made me think of my own life and being chained to a post whilst wishing for freedom, to soar with the birds in an infinite sky…
For me its about fear, fear of rejection or ridicule. But sometimes we have to feel the fear and do it anyway. Thats what I need to focus on.
Thanks for sharing your amazing story Lucie.
Mike
Hi Mike, thanks for your comments. I certainly understand the fears you’ve expressed: rejection and ridicule. As a writer, I come face to face with those on a daily basis – it is part of the writer’s landscape. But, as you have so beautifully said – the desire to soar with the birds in an infinite sky – that’s what keeps me trying again, and again, and soon the rejections (that keep coming) don’t matter quite so much.
That’s right, isn’t it? And fear and excitement feel so similar! I’ve been reading a novel where the heroine is in a dangerous city and is afraid to go out into the streets, but will be damned if she lets her fear stop her. In the event she finds someone to go out with her, but I loved that attitude towards it! So models help as well. I’ll be looking out for more of your blogs, Lucie.
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Dr Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school and writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions and things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder where he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always befen such a strong desire in my heart to find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan didn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Dr Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school and writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions and things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder whfere he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always been such a strong desire in my heart to find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan didn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Dr Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school and writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions afnd things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder where he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always been such a strong desire in my heart to find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan didn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Dr Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school andf writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions and things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder where he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always been such a strong desire in my heart to find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan didn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Prophet Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school and writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions and things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder where he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always been such a strong desire in my heart tfo find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan didn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
(How i got my husband back with the prayers of Prophet Akim )I remember lying in my room when I was in high school and writing in a journal to my future husband. I’d write all sorts of notes and questions and things I’d wonder or ask this man when I eventually met him. I would wonder where he was and what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. It has always been such a strong desire in my heart tfo find a wonderful man to marry, someone who would love me and cherish me and appreciate me for the person I am. I always thought I would get married right out of college, just like my parents, so when that plan difdn’t work out, I started to get discouraged. A school mate snatched my future husband away from my arms just because she had spiritual powers, all hope was lost to me before i came across the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com) who i confided in, i told him my long story and he helped me regain back my lover with his prayers which is now my husband today. if you have any problem email the help doctor (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com).
I think people are always bound to start feeling chained to certain things. We have to find the balance between having our own space to grow, change and concentrate into something outside of our usual scope of things.
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Indeed. It is about finding that balance between the familiar and the stuff that stretches us, but not too far! And everyone’s fulcrum will be different.
Hi, I and my ex boyfriend broke up about 7 weeks now. We’ve been together for 4 years. We had so many issues during in our relationship. We got engaged and eventually he changed his mind not to get married soon and told me he doesn’t want kids. It broke my heart. He also told me that culture differences is another problem between us. When we broke up I beg many times. He told he doesn’t want to go back in to our relationship and he wants us to move on. I stayed another 2 weeks with him while I am looking for a new place. we had sex a couple times. He told me he just want us stay as friends.f
When I moved out, he didn’t txt or call but when we each other we are fine talking like a friend. Is there anyway that i can win him back? that was the question i asked my sister and she told me he have had an encouter with the famous love doctor and i contacted him and he prayed for my relationship and my boyfriend came back to me and my relationship was restored and now we will be getting married soon. Please get to know him and ask for his help on (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com). The love doctor is the best and will help you 🙂
Hi, I and my ex boyfriend broke up about 7 weeks now. We’ve been together for 4 years. We had so many issues during in our relationship. We got engaged and eventually he changed his mind not to get married soon and told mve he doesn’t want kids. It broke my heart. He also told me that culture differences is another problem between us. When we broke up I beg many times. He told he doesn’t want to go back in to our relationship and he wants us to move on. I stayed another 2 weeks with him while I am looking for a new place. we had sex a couple times. He told me he just want us stay as friends.
When I moved out, he didn’t txt or call but when we each other we are fine talking like a friend. Is there anyway that i can win him back? that was the question i asked my sister and she told me he have had an encouter with the famous love doctor and i contacted him and he prayed for my relationship and my boyfriend came back to me and my relationship was restored and now we will be getting married soon. Please get to know him and ask for his help on (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com). The love doctor is the best and will help you 🙂
Hi Lucie,
As you say, it is very true that I feel scared to let go of a secure and comfortable job, A job that has come after repeated failures in business and holding jobs. Naturally, my family and myself want to hold this job as long as possible.
Yet, I know that my job is just a dead end with no possibility of advancement both in terms of finance and skill enrichment.Though I see the negative aspects of my job and my fear in no uncertain terms, I’m not motivated intensely even to search for new fields. So, how do I proceed?
Hi Shanker, congrats on having a secure job in these insecure times! I think you may find the answer to your dilemma in your own comments. You mentioned that you’re not motivated to search for new fields, and are grateful for what your job currently offers. I think that’s your answer. It’s not time to look further. I think your own inner guidance will give you a nudge when the time is better for you to move on, but now does not seem to be the time. Instead, I’d suggest spending time out of work exploring the things you are drawn to, that may seem to have nothing to do with career in the traditional sense. These explorations are still a great opportunity to experience a bit of creative freedom. When the time is right to make a change, I’m sure you’ll feel it clearly. Hope that helps!
Hi Shanker, thanks for your comment. Sorry, I posted my reply in a new comment space just above yours.
It’s quite OK. Thanks for your reply. That only shows your seriousness in replying my implied questions.
I love this! I recently took a chance in my life and stepped into the unknown with my own business and your post was the perfect analogy of how I was feeling (chained bird) to how I’m flying freely now. Thanks!
Blast you. You would publish this article as I’m trying to talk myself out of just walking onto a plane exactly two weeks from now and flying away to Italy. There’s nothing left for me here, my family is gone, my friends have married and drifted away, I feel I’ve seen and done it all in the USA, and Italy has called to me my entire life. I direct movies, you see, and I’ve been often accused of directing in “an Italianate cinema style”. This puzzled me. Then two years ago a friend bought me a DNA test, and taking it, I found out I am part Italian.
There’s a saying when a door closes another one opens (or, a window opens). Well, every door of my life in America shut in my face. A big window to Italy keeps opening wider each day. First a job offer. Then the money. Then more apartments than I could have imagined possible. Now all that keeps me here in the States is fear. America is familiar. So much could go so wrong once I am overseas. What if the money runs out? The job falls through?
I am an owl pecking at soy, vegan baby chick feet and longing to take to wing and just jump on Alitalia and have the adventure of a lifetime… but so scared my little chicken feet will run out. I need a push. I am scared. I am so scared. Thank you for writing this story.
To keep us safe… yes, that is what fear is for… but I remember a certain quote:
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
Be careful about quoting Osho. He may have some good ideas, but he and his organization have also said a lot of intolerant, hateful things about homosexuals and those of certain ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. You don’t have to take my word for it, just do a search for it. It’s quite surprising — some of this content is even in his books. Of course, it’s up to you, but since I found that out, I’ve personally preferred not to associate with him or his organization anymore. All things considered, I feel it gives a bad impression.