What does it mean to be "out on a limb"? A limb is an appendage - a branch on a tree, a stem from a plant, a leg or arm from the body, a finger or toe from the respective hand or foot. Limbs are an extension from a larger source, and this extension causes tension. To where does this metaphorical path lead? How secure is it?
Often, what we want - or what we think we want - requires us to venture out on this proverbial limb. Other times, perhaps, we feel like we've been left out on a limb - in some new territory and on some unexpected path with whose terrain we are yet unfamiliar. Being out on a limb, therefore, is scary. Not even birds linger at the end of a limb after claiming said prey; rather, they move hurriedly back to the source from which cometh their strength.
Life is like that, yes? Many times, we are attracted to something that requires a risk, a journey down a path whose security is uncertain. Somehow, the birds get it, so why don't we? That uncertain journey becomes familiar, even routine; why? Because the birds know they can always return from the limb to the source. We can, too, but we must be like birds: go out on a limb to get the prize - the dream job, the sexy salary, feeding our family, influencing others. What do birds know that we don't? Perhaps that instead of focusing on the limb itself, they focus on the prize and the innate knowledge that they always can return to Source. The same is true for us; and our innate knowledge, also known as faith, will always help us return to the source from whence cometh our strength.
Now, be a birdbrain! Go out on that limb and get that prize; if you like what you find, you've created a familiar path that illuminates your way. And if you find you don't like or need what's out on the limb, that's okay, too; just return to Source.
Image curtesy of SAHIL SHAH
Comentarios