As I was walking one morning, I saw a beautiful formation of birds flying in the distance. What caught my eye was how completely black they looked from one angle as they flew in formation. Then, as they did their majestic sky dance, their underbellies looked white with glitter as the sun reflected off of them. As I watched, I was in awe by the sheer beauty of the synchronous flight and how they changed from dark to glimmering light against the backdrop of a perfectly blue sky – such a vivid contrast. For me, this was a spiritual experience; one of many along my spiritual recovery pathway.

Symbolically, birds are messengers; on any given day they can hold a different message for me. The moment an experience happens, I have to turn inward and ask, “What is this experience sharing with me? How does it speak to my heart?”

I had been deep in my thoughts until the moment I glanced up to see these birds. Same birds, yet different aspects; like us—both darkness and light. My Higher Power spoke to me through these messengers. Will I look for opportunities in myself and others to see this glimmering light? Will I face my own darkness within and let Love bring it into the healing Light?

Today, I notice these experiences like never before. Daily I ask to be guided inwardly by the “power greater than myself.” The experiences I have been given have opened my heart to receive the messages in forms I previously didn’t see. This morning, the birds delivered a spectacular metaphor of the dark and light that exists in every one of us.

Everything in my life is part of my spirituality; both the ongoing darkness and the light. My pathway of spirituality requires my willingness to see and accept darkness within me, so I can get to know the light within me in the depth I now do!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.