Blue Sky

Time out! His business was doing well. His co-workers were fully confident that they could manage the work load without him. At least for a short intermezzo. He worked hard all year and it was time to stop all business activities. Summer time. He did remember the word 'relaxing' from long ago. The first summer off, what a supreme feeling. Somehow it also scared him to stop working and just do nothing. He always thought that he had to pursue challenging goals and do something meaningful with his precious time. Was this true? At the end of his life, what would he see as most valuable? Would it be the long hours in his office? Would it be the business awards that he collected through the years? Would it be the title of manager of the year that he received several times? He was sitting outside with a morning coffee and a bubbling glass of champagne, while the golden sun gently touched his silk skin. The birds were giving a free concert. In the background the sound of cars determined to get at their destination.

He was watching the mystic creatures with wings. How would it feel to be a bird? It would certainly be wonderful to see the world from a higher perspective. What an occasion to leave all thoughts behind and change how to look at things in an ordinary way. What a luxury to let go of all things and become as light as possible. No luggage. No obligations. No expectations. Just be. Just fly. Just soar. Just flow with nature. On solid wings. Life - from the viewpoint of birds - is moving. Keep moving. Listening to their needs. Hungry, then eat. Do not watch the clock. Thirsty, then drink. Never heard a bird asking for the time and then deciding what to choose from the menu. A break? Then pause and relax. Life can be so simple, we humans make it more complex, it seems. Was he really doing what would make all the difference in the end? He felt that he was approaching a turning point in his adult life. It was never his intention to be lived.

He looked at the infinite sky. The sky was blue. Blue like the ocean. Without waves. Peace above him. Peace around him. Peace inside him. Beautiful. Just beautiful. He finally felt at ease with himself. His thoughts transformed from 'What I am supposed to do in this life?' to 'How can I be myself in this life?' To be rather than to do. Who told us that we had to achieve things in life? Maybe that was a false belief after all. He closed his eyes and imagined that he was a wise bird. Ready to enjoy the most touching adventures throughout the whole world. High in the sky he so enjoyed spreading his delicious wings. It felt so special to fly. He smiled at the other birds and wished them well on their journey. The other birds composed a cheerful song to welcome him. He watched the blue sky and could not get enough of it. The color blue made him truly happy. 'A simple life is maybe the most luxurious stage a human being ever can reach', he thought, 'it is awesome when we do not need material things to feel safe. Pure freedom is a divine treasure'. Gracefully he continued his flight ...

Blue Sky by Liesbeth Leysen