Are you proud to be you?
In reflecting on this question recently, posed by myself to myself, the proverbial “as proud as a peacock” came to mind and I wondered, “Why are peacocks ‘proud’?”
From that rabbit hole of random peacock research came the following lessons I think we can take from these majestic birds in emancipating ourselves mentally:
STAY GROUNDED
Peafowl create their nests on the ground, though they perch on treetops and can fly. As social animals, peafowl do not like to be alone, and they stay rooted, connected and “grounded” to their harem, just as we can stay connected to our history, our lineage, and the physical space we occupy on earth.
THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN THAT WHICH WE CAN PERCEIVE WITH OUR FIVE SENSES
Of the 11 types of sounds they make, peacocks make sounds with their feather trains that humans are incapable of hearing. That we cannot perceive these sounds does not mean they do not exist. There is room in the universe for a real rationale behind the inexplicable things of life, such as our gut feelings/intuition, wild coincidences, disasters, and what we call miracles. If we admit that we cannot perceive everything there is, we can decide that what we can’t perceive is for our own good, and we can move through life knowing there is always *more,* and trusting that it is always in our favor.
PATIENCE
A peacock’s feather train only develops after about three years, after which it is used to attract mates. Things take time, even things that are fundamental to self. With patience, the evolution of our desires can be savored and enjoyed as our wants and needs (which are just ideas) come to fruition in reality.
SHINE
Peacock feathers house microscopic, iridescent, crystalline structures that reflect light beautifully. Putting one’s best self on display always comes naturally to the peacock, and is responsible for their physical evolution on the planet, since it’s how they attract mates and continue to procreate. As we work to become our best selves and to live our best lives, it may benefit us to show up in life everyday as who we are working to become and attract.
empress. french press. success. 