These days the weather is gauged by me in terms of suitability for flying. Although I’ve always enjoyed the emotional medicinal effects of sunshine and clear skies, my love of calm winds and generally good visibility has increased dramatically since learning to fly. I couldn’t help but notice, therefore, when I was out walking the dog at 6:30 a.m., what utter
perfection existed for approximately 40 minutes, should someone have suddenly pulled up in a C150 and offered me a “ride”/flight to the nearest aerodrome!
Although it soon grew rainy and windy and grey, for a while, at least, the winds were calm, as evidenced by the waters gently breaking against the rocky shoreline and beach down by the Lake. And the most beautiful sunrise was in full effect, having recently provided a dramatic backlight to the city skyscape, and moved now over the waters to highlight the morning sky.
One of the many, many gifts flying has given me is the adoption of a broader perspective, sometimes. Awareness, or the ability to see and hear what I previously did not is an emerging skill, delightfully and helpfully so, most of the time. This morning I was permitted to hear the gentle lap of the water, almost imperceptible unless you paused to notice it with intention. Because I was silent, I passed very near to some mourning doves who suddenly lighted out from the sand next to my path, where I had almost missed their silvery blue wings huddled against one another in the motionless morning air. The reflective stillness of the dawn enabled sounds to penetrate my ears and sights to enter my eyes that usually pass my senses by while my mind engages too many other topics…
Flying forces you to stay focused and keep a look out for safety reasons: “With the traffic” is not an automatic response to Tower’s remarks, but rather a confirmation that you have indeed noticed what ought to be noticed, and are acknowledging said observation.
Today, I was “with the morning”, and it sure felt good!
Although it soon grew rainy and windy and grey, for a while, at least, the winds were calm, as evidenced by the waters gently breaking against the rocky shoreline and beach down by the Lake. And the most beautiful sunrise was in full effect, having recently provided a dramatic backlight to the city skyscape, and moved now over the waters to highlight the morning sky.
One of the many, many gifts flying has given me is the adoption of a broader perspective, sometimes. Awareness, or the ability to see and hear what I previously did not is an emerging skill, delightfully and helpfully so, most of the time. This morning I was permitted to hear the gentle lap of the water, almost imperceptible unless you paused to notice it with intention. Because I was silent, I passed very near to some mourning doves who suddenly lighted out from the sand next to my path, where I had almost missed their silvery blue wings huddled against one another in the motionless morning air. The reflective stillness of the dawn enabled sounds to penetrate my ears and sights to enter my eyes that usually pass my senses by while my mind engages too many other topics…
Flying forces you to stay focused and keep a look out for safety reasons: “With the traffic” is not an automatic response to Tower’s remarks, but rather a confirmation that you have indeed noticed what ought to be noticed, and are acknowledging said observation.
Today, I was “with the morning”, and it sure felt good!
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