Free as a Bird

There is an expression in German, "vogelfrei", which translates as "free as a bird", but has a surprisingly negative meaning. During the medieval times cities gave their citizen protection and employment opportunity, but they could strip you of your right to live there. If you were banned you became "vogelfrei" and you were thrown into an uncertain livelihood.

The medieval times are of course long gone so perhaps it is getting time to discover the positive meaning of this expression. I am working in a field where it is my job to make predictions of events that appear random at times. I am free to do whatever I want and can work on whatever I think is relevant. Still, at the end of the day my predictions have to be right. I am essentially vogelfrei.

There is tremendous spiritual upside in uncertainty. When the ego faces the unknown there is just suddenly nothing to hold onto. You have to surrender to the beyond and at that moment the ego dissolves. I think life does get more uncertain for an increasing number of global citizen. Gone are the days when governments and corporations offered life-long employment opportunities. Find security in creativity and the unknown instead. Only then will you be able to enjoy the security of the "beyond". Jesus once asked his disciples how they could fear for their livelihood if his Father took such good care even of birds. As a Tao traveler I would echo that sentiment. Open up to the unknown and discover a world full of love, awe and dedication. May we be all free as birds.