As the birds fly.

Travelling companions,

This is something that happened when I was choreographing for Swapna Vasavadutta. There is a particular dialogue where King Udayan looks at the flying birds and comments on their formation and companionship.

To choreograph this, I had to observe the flight patterns of the birds. The birds I realized exuded beauty and serenity as they swooped, drifted and glided and created magnificent patterns across the skies. Once we surrender to the sheer beauty of it all, the birds can be a long source of inspiration; they could be messengers from the spirit realm or a symbol of the human soul as they cast of their earthly moorings and soared heavenward. An upturned wing a graceful flutter all so effortless and free…More magnificent still was the sight of the migrating birds, progressing steadily across the horizon in a solid V formation that is a singular pattern too unique to be a mere chance.

Pushing steadily forward this aerodynamic V reduces air resistance for the whole flock. With wings moving in harmony, the feathered group continues its course across the sky, covering more ground together in as community more than as individuals. When the bird at the front gets tired she will move to the rear of the formation where the wind drag is the lowest and a more rested bird takes her place.

Maybe we need to replace the V with We in our structure and feel the dynamics of charting an adventurous course with others. The strength of others moving long side us may lend power to our lives through the journey of life, when buffeted by unexpected gusts we can choose to find refuse in the loving shelter of friends and family. We may even marvel as an otherwise difficult day passes like a swift wind. As a kindred spirit charts a way for us through the clouds and rain ahead. If our wings ache during the journey maybe it is a good idea to let someone else fly at front for a while. All of us move faster when we move together.