DRAWING OUR EYES TO THE HEAVENS...

When reflecting on an image that would capture the spirit and intent of my coaching practice I ultimately came to the crane. The characteristics embodied by this mystical bird of meaning, are in accord with what is important to me, and I daresay, to my clients.  I'd like to explain.

Throughout all of Asia, the crane has long been a symbol of longevity, healing, happiness, freedom, and eternal youth, standing for good fortune and longevity because of their fabled life span of a thousand years. The same has been true in many global cultures - sacred to Apollo, and prominent in many African and Native American tribal settings. In Japan, the crane or tsuru, is a national treasure, seen as mystical creatures yet real.  Strong, graceful and beautiful, they can walk on the earth and swim in the sea much like humans but also have the ability to soar into the sky and roam freely, perceived as a bird capable of flying to the very heavens. If you see a crane flying, it may be drawing your eyes to the heavens, lifting your spirits, and inspiring you to trust in the universe.

There is a Japanese idiom that says "tsuro no hito koe" 鶴の一声 or つるのひとこえ, which literally translates as "one word from the crane", meaning the "voice of authority", the one who has the final word that isn't challenged.  In coaching, I've discovered that the only authentic 'voice of authority' in our lives is our own. Only we can recognize the barriers within our lives; only we can locate our own inner truths and re-envision and redesign what is possible from that basis.  We are all on journeys that are drawn to the heavens of our lives' potential even as we roam within the grounded earth of day to day experience. We seek to walk with grace and serenity through all our seasons, inspiring our life and the lives of all we touch.