Embracing a higher view

Just after sunset along Cabot Road in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Few images in nature are more inspiring than a hawk gracefully soaring above the landscape, viewing the world from a unique perspective. This creature moves among the windy blasts of any season, able to accelerate and rise higher at a moment’s notice. 

For a few moments this afternoon, I observed this beautiful animal, maneuvering its way through the sky. It seemed so certain of its course, and when headwinds arose, it had the ability to confidently rise above them. 

This image of grace and confidence is a welcome sight, and a reminder of the importance of these qualities amid difficult times. Indeed, there are still obstacles that challenge our best qualities every day. Economic woes, the pandemic, political confrontations, and supply-chain issues are just the short list of challenges society now faces. And it’s true, these all test our ability to persevere and feel a sense of hope for the days ahead. It may not be too surprising that, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll released Oct. 8, just one-third of Americans have a positive outlook on the nation’s future. 

Today, it so often seems that any attempts at progress as a country face immediate obstacles, and efforts to change things for the better can feel futile. That’s when thought, like the hawk, has to rise above its surroundings, and a big part of the solution can be the simple things. They include seeking positive interactions with others, helping a neighbor, or just encouraging someone who’s feeling down. Those experiences automatically uplift our thought. It’s a bit like coming home, because living amid goodness, and returning to it for support, is really a natural state of existence for us. There’s no doubt that massive challenges exist in this world, but knowing there’s a sense of peace we can access is reassuring and provides comfort. It’s an experience that’s readily available to help us soar and rise above contrary winds — high enough to see progress as truly possible.

— Gareth Henderson