Signs

[For those that have read my other blog, you may have come across this piece, although slightly adapted for this space, as well as a new addition.]

Signs are around us, but it is us who choose to ignore them, blow them off as mere coincidence, or actually listen and watch. I choose the latter.

Part of my listening and observing signs seems to be heightened during a time of immense change or upheaval, and needless to say, that is a phase I am going through now. Leaving for yet another country and new adventure, although gives a great sensation of butterflies and excitement, I am still a touch apprehensive. And in the past when that slight trepidation crept in, I would become more accute to the signs which seemed to quell the wavering and uneasiness and allowed me to have reassurance that going was the right thing to do.

A brief jaunt through the past will show you what I mean.

Before Australia I was flip-flopping on my decision and mentally weighing the pros and cons during my drive to work and that is when I saw a flock of geese, about 5 metres above the road, flying in a vee, towards me and my front windshield. The geese flew above the car and I saw them fly over my sunroof. Besides being totally freaked out with the geese heading straight for me, I started to smile because I knew right then that going to Australia was in the cards and things would work out. I was right. That voyage not only took me up to the most remote parts or the northwest coast, but opportunities opened and allowed me to set foot on aboriginal land (which had not been done in many years by any white folk), it led me from Australia by sailboat to Indonesia (and once there, a few memorable incidents which has only made me stronger and believe in human kindness and the power of a warm smile).

Before my trip to Japan, and still full of the same pre-departure doubts, it was dragonflies buzzing in front of me while walking down a city road that pushed me onward. Sure, dragonflies aren't an oddity or a rare sight, but the fact that they were buzzing around in the city is. My first trip to Japan gave more possibilities, so much so, that the first trip turned into a second.

And so the signs are beginning once again.

About two months ago, while walking in the city, a butterfly buzzed me and almost landed on me. Even a passerbyer commented on the idiosyncrasy of the event. (And this was before I even knew that Colombia was an option).

Once I knew the option of heading to Colombia was becoming more of a possibility, I opened my eyes...waiting for the dragonflies. But I didn't have to wait too long. A student of mine walked in with a new bag, took it off her shoulder and set it on the desk, removed some papers and that is when I saw a huge embroidered dragonfly. I could only smile.

In the middle of July, a friend signed into MSN messenger with an image I had never seen before, but it did look Mayan (maybe Incan - not well versed in this area) with the sign in name Cor-do-ba - Cordoba being the district I am heading to, and the name of the car he wants to buy. Coincidence some may say, I don't.

Towards the end of July, I opened the Georgia Straight and flipped to the first page. Yep, a photo of a dragonfly.

And during the last weekend of July, I was enjoying a great walk in the beauty of Saturday with a beautiful person. As we progressed along the seawall a dragonfly crossed my path. And again, a smugness overcame me. I know I am supposed to go, I know this is the path I am supposed to be on. And all these little signs seem to reassure me and push me forward.

For the past week, everytime I go out, there are dragonflies around me. Sure, it is summer and it is hot, but it never fails, I will always see one. Maybe it is coincidence, and maybe I just needed a bigger sign.

Sure enough, I got one tonight. I was at the beach enjoying the bright nights of summer with my dog, a friend, and his kids. It was a usual dog beach kind of night - barking, yelping, splashing, fetching with hidden-apprehension talks of Colombia thrown in, sandy feet, smiles, crashing waves, soaked pant legs...when from behind me, I could hear, "Look girls, look at the eagle!"

I looked up and about 20 feet above us was an eagle flying parallel with the beach soaring in the wind. It was close enough that you could see the ruffles in its neck feathers; where the white head meets the brown body. I had never seen one so flying so close. I followed the eagle on its route, and had a grin as wide as its wing span.

I will admit that for the longest time Colombia has felt right, I know there are opportunities to be had, I know the doors to those will open, but behind the belief, there are doubts. Is this the right thing to do now? (Especially since the last 6 months out of 13 years I have started to feel comfort in Vancouver) What if I stay in Vancouver? What if I don't go? But then I go back to that little yellow paper I have carried around since Australia (thanks Mike!)

“How much longer will you go on letting your energy sleep? How much longer are you going to stay oblivious to the immensity of yourself? Don’t lose time in conflict and don’t lose time in doubt. Time can never be recovered and if you miss an opportunity it may take many lives before another comes your way again.”

So, screw the doubts, and focus on this opportunity that is in front of me now. And if the eagle is any indication, things will work out-I can take solace in this sign.

Some may say signs are all a coincidence, while others may say they are rubbish. But I don't. I belive in many mysterious things...I believe in magic, I believe in true love, I believe in make-believe and I believe in signs.