I received this article below few years back from my facebook friends, and something about it impressed me. The painful aspect of transformation from within was explained so beautifully. I am a firm believer of “One cannot change unless the desire comes from within”. It made me think if this kind of change and tranformation is actually possible.

As usual, I gave it a try to see what it takes to undergo a transformation. The universe figured out a way to make it happen. Sharing my learning from it.

First the article… and then my learning..!

The Story of an EAGLE: The Eagle has the longest life-span of its species. It can live upto 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a very difficult decision!. In its 40th year, the eagle’s long and flexible Talons can no longer grab a prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, stick to its chest and make it difficult to fly. Then, the eagle is left with only two options: DIE or go through a painful process of CHANGE! This process lasts for 150 days (5 months). The process requires the eagle to fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. Then the eagle will wait for the new beak to grow back after which it will pluck out its talons. When its talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old aged feathers. And after this the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and LIVES for 30 more years!! Why is Change needed??? In order to survive and live. We too have to start the change process. We sometimes need to get rid of the unpleasant old memories, negative habits and our fixed mind set. Only Freed from the past burdens can we take advantage of the present. If an eagle can make a life saving and life changing decision at the age of 40….why can’t we? In order to take on a New Journey ahead, let go of your negative old limiting beliefs. Open up your mind and let yourself fly high like an eagle! When it rains, all birds occupy shelter. But the EAGLE avoids the rain by flying above the clouds…. The problem is common to all but the attitude to solve it makes the difference! Don’t be afraid of change…accept it gracefully..!!!

Now to my learning and how easy is it to transform..

Our mind is used to a certain way to thinking and doing things that we are used to (call it a routine). We need to break away from the routine to re-sharpen our skills.

1. Look at the chunks where you spend the maximum amount of time in your life and see if you can carve out some time from one of them to start a new activity (something very different from what you have been doing thus far)
2. Read books of a completely different genre. Visit any local library and some book or topic will catch your attention.
3. Help someone in need without expecting anything back in return
4. Listen to a different genre of music
5. Make a new friend who is not from your usual circle

Do any or all of these for 1-2 months and you will start seeing yourself transform. Now, which direction the transformation is going to go depends on your goal. Either you set a goal for yourself and work towards it – doing the things above aligned to it, or let the universe guide you to the next step.

For those who are willing to take the leap of faith, keep your eyes and ears open to all the people you are meeting, the conversations you are having, you will keep getting your what-next from them.

Am not sure of the longevity front yet, but there is a definitely a different kind of positivity that seeps in. A kind of freshness of perspective that keeps one going!