Life Lessons, Which I learnt from an Eagle

Tests Before Trusting

This principle is peculiar to the female eagle which subjects the male eagle to vigorous testing before allowing the male to mate with her. This principle could be applied in our relationship with others especially when we want to enter one kind of agreement or partnership with others. Test the commitment of people before you trust them with your time and resources.

Clarity in Thought

Eagles do not eat dead things. They feed on fresh prey. It is vultures that eat dead animals, not eagles. Similarly, we should steer clear of outdated, old information. Do your research well, always.

Fear of Nothing

They shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and picks them up on his back before they fall, and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for some time until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly and overcome fears of having a fall.

Wait for the Right Time

The chase doesn’t end here. The female eagle once again grabs the twig and flies to a much higher altitude pursued by the male, then drops the twig for the male to chase. This goes on for hours, with the height increasing until the female eagle is assured that the male eagle has mastered the art of picking the twig. 

Rebirth involves the death of the old self

The eagle has to make a painful decision at around age 40. Die or go through a painful process of rebirth which will extend its life for 30 more years. This process involves the painful task of knocking out its own beak and plucking out its talons so that new ones can grow. This entire process takes about 5 months to complete.

Learn to let go

When eagles grow old, they pluck out their old talons and feathers so new ones can grow back. We need to shed off destructive habits, negative people, and things that burden us or add no value to our lives. No matter how difficult it may be, letting go is the first step for allowing better things to come.