This past Saturday, I had the privilege and the honor to attend an Eagle Scout Ceremony for a boy I had mentored almost three years ago. He was thirteen years old when he asked me if I would help him with two of the most difficult Merit Badges required for Eagle. He said he wanted to do more than the minimum...he wanted to do it in the best way possible. It took almost six months for him to complete these badges as they were not easy, yet he never chose to quit.As I sat in the school gym waiting for the ceremony to begin, I could not help but notice all the people who had come to help him celebrate this honored rank. The ceremony began with a tradition called, The Voice of the Eagle. It starts by recognizing that the compass is more than a way to find your way in the woods but a guide for life. Four scouts represented the four directions by talking about how each direction gives them guidance to lead their life in a way that is fitting to the ideals of an Eagle Scout.
Since the beginning of scouting the Eagle has represented the ideals that they hold in high regard. The Voice of the Eagle in the ceremony reminds all of us that we must live in a way that is honorable, calling forth loyalty to ourselves and others, be courageous in our ways, and compassionate to those less fortunate than ourselves.
In the Native American culture the Four Directions are also used as a guide for daily life. They regularly honor these directions not only in daily life but in ceremony. The North represents wisdom and strength, East - clarity and illumination, South - wholeness and expectation and the West - authenticity and introspection.
After Andy was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, I listened as he talked about how he was a model for others and would uphold the ideals that he had learned in a way that would benefit himself, his community and the world. It was a reminder to me to think about, what are the ideals that I hold and how do I live them out each day.? How do I honor the spiritual guidance that comes into my life and how does that light my path? These questions are not new, but serve to add guidance and direction to our lives. Just like the scouts hiking in the woods, they check their compass often to be sure they are on the path they want to be. That is no different for us...we to need to check our internal and spiritual compass and allow it to guide our path.
The wisdom of the Native Americans reminds me of the spiritual aspects of life, that each direction offers a different perspective that adds wholeness to how I see the world. The Voice of the Eagle is also a reminder to me that we are all courageous and strong in our own ways, that each one of us is looking for ways to live with integrity, but most important of all... each one of us has the essence of the eagle within us and are meant to soar in our lives.
Blessings to you as you listen to the Voice of the Eagle that resides inside your heart.
Sandy
Sandy Thibault is a Life Coach, Partner in Burnsville Counseling and Healing Center and co-founder of the Institute for Peace and Joy. For individual appointments or to inquire about workshops, retreats or speaking for your organization contact her at 952-435-4144. Please visit our web site for more information on all our services www.counselingandhealing.com
