Opening the Door

How many times have you visited a place with one expectation and found something else? Have any of those occurrences provided insight into your mind, heart and soul? My trip to Scotland and my explorations did just that.

Like most tourists, I wanted to visit the Lochness area and look for Nessie. It was a lifelong desire but not at the top of my bucket list. Thoughts of Scotland’s cold weather and palette, haggis and grouse in particular, did not create a strong pull to visit the area. My intrigue came from DNA research and learning that I had ancestral connections to the McTaylors who were part of the larger Clan Cameron. Like other Americans visiting the area, the TV series, Outlander, romanticized the clans and my ancestor’s part in the Battle of Culloden. Can you imagine my excitement to find out that some of my ancestors were highlanders? I wanted to see the ancient stones and feel what it was like to be in Scotland. While the battlefield and Lochness were amazing, my take-away from my Scotland adventure would come from doors opening that I could never have imagined.

While traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness, an unexpected famous Scottish landmark popped up next to the highway- 30 meter-high Kelpies! I had no idea what a Kelpie was, and you might be in need of an introduction, as well.

The Kelpies

I would come to know that this magnificent structure would symbolize the mystical side of Scotland for me. This connection would be a gigantic gift I brought home and a knowing that deep inside my DNA is not only chemical building blocks, but spiritual clues into the essence of who I am. In this case, the universe placed a 30-meter high structure to awaken my consciousness because, quite simply, I was not paying attention.

Kelpies-"Kelpie, or water kelpie, is a shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lochs and pools of Scotland. It is a Celtic legend… are said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse. ... Once trapped in this way, the kelpie will drag the child into the river and then eat him. These water horses can also appear in human form” (Wikipedia)

My transformation began with the breeze I felt against my face whilst I was moving about the fields of wildflowers. Their movements, to and fro, began to mesmorize me. There was something about the wildflowers that held my attention. Instead of concentrating on the the kiosks and learning Culloden’s history, I was drawn to the meadows. At closer look, I found beauty in every part of each wildflower. The color lavender was especially gorgeous within the spectrum of greens and browns in the meadow.

The Thistle

The thistle, so prickly but extraordinary, could be found in formal gardens and randomly spread throughout the meadows I explored. Did you know that the thistle is a Scottish treasure?

“In truth, no one knows for certain how the ... thistle rose to such lofty significance. But one legend has it a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from ambush by an invading Norse army when one of the enemies trod on the spiky plant. His anguished cry roused the slumbering warriors who duly vanquished the invader and adopted the thistle as their national symbol..... It also represents one of the highest honours the country can give an individual. Founded by James III in 1687, the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry which is bestowed to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of Scotland and the greater United Kingdom"  (www.visitscotland.com)

The meaning of the flower, at least for the benefit of my learning curve, was simple: see the beauty in prickly people! The majestic crown at the top of the flower is welcoming and represented royalty. A reminder that when folks come into my orbit, I should treat them royally.

The thistle was also a reminder that we are here to serve others- no matter how difficult someone may be. If the prickly person does not want to share in my gifts, so be it. They will not have the power of disturbing my experience.

I was reminded of Picasso’s quote:“The Purpose of Life Is to Discover Your Gift. The Meaning of Life Is to Give Your Gift Away”. Not everyone will want to dance in the wind with me, but that should not stop me from moving forward.

The Fairy Forest

Do you believe in fairies? Scotland is said to have enchanted fairy forests. For the record- I did not know this, was not looking and did not see a fairy. After visiting and returning home to the States, I became aware of all the touristy spots in Scotland to experience a fairy forest. I walked through this forest unaware of its popularity.

At one time, the Scots believed that every waterway, well and loch had ancient fairies protecting them. I experienced beautiful waterfalls, many shades of green, and an overall feeling of childlike wonder as I explored the Scottish forest. I felt the twinkle in my eye reappear in my being. If green is the color that fairies have claimed as their own, I was,indeed, in the land of the fairies. With a good friend, we took an unknown trail, headed into the forest, discovered a river, old trees, a historic bridge, and an open door. In the rain, we walked a path together that was not well traveled. This is where I took the photos I share throughout this blog.

The Tree

The trees were quite different than what I experience in Pennsylvania. They were older and felt sacred. In Celtic lore, each type of tree is believed to have a distinct spirit. The tree pictured below was along a river and called out to me.

“The Birnam Oak is an iconic tree on the outskirts of the Perthshire village and celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to the sole surviving trees of the great forest that once straddled the banks and hillsides of the River Tay. This forest is celebrated in Shakespeare's Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood. The prophecy of Shakespeare's three witches did come true, with the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood, nearly 1,000 years ago, camouflaging the advancing army against Macbeth.”

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/the-birnam-oak-p255851

I have come to discover that Celtic tree lore is represented in Cad Goddeau, a Welsh poem about the Battle of the Trees. In this poem, an enchanter animates the trees and they come to life to fight as his army. While there is much debate about the meanings of this poem, for my purposes, it gave me reassurance that I was not alone in feeling the life force of these old and living beings.

This tree had a powerful message for me. While the constantly changing river had the force to destroy the tree, it was firmly grounded in its roots. It persevered through the generations, witnessed human history, and continued to grow.

The Bridge

The river was a powerful obstacle if one wanted to travel from the small village to the forest. However, those that came before us had the vision and abilities to build something to take us from the ordinary to the extraordinary. I am grateful for their knowledge, their path and generosity to share that vision with many for generations to come.

On the simplest level, strong bridges remain for ages. However, what is a bridge? It is something or someone that facilitates movement from one point to another. This Scottish bridge took me from ordinary to extraordinary. I write this blog during the COVID pandemic. Most individuals are concerned with surviving the emotional, financial and health risks that surround them on one side of the bridge and cannot imagine themselves on the other side of this situation. Folks want their pain to end and want to return to the lives they led before the pandemic. Is that truly where you would like a magic bridge to take you? To the past? Was your life how you wanted it to be before this dark cloud of health and financial uncertainty hit? Or was your health, finances and relationships not where you wanted them to be in the first place? I know, I know- we are chatting about the magic of Scotland.

The Door

My travels across the bridge and through the fairy forest led me to a small structure with a door. This was the door to the other side of possibility.

I stared at the door and was very deliberate before I walked through it. I had learned so many wonderful lessons already: 1) to find beauty in everything, 2) treat others as royalty, 3) serve others- no matter how difficult they may be, 4) dance even when others will not, 5) experience new things with childlike wonder, and 5) stay grounded in my roots. I heard those messages loud and clear during my visit to Scotland last summer.

Now, that many of us are staying close to home due to the pandemic, do these beautiful messages still apply? Of course. It makes my heart smile to see pictures on social media of folks taking the time to walk through forests and spend time with their children.

Personally, I have experienced restlessness through this pandemic like a caged animal. My spirit needed to soar like it did in Scotland last summer. And then I remembered the door. My closest friends reminded me that I am an architect of possibility with both vision and abilities to build something to invite others to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary. We all have needs, wants, and dreams.

While we are locked down, what better time to explore, plan and make those dreams come true? I’ve crossed to the other side of the bridge, have seen the possibilities and have walked through the door of possibility.

Won’t you join me on my next adventure?

Toni Bear, Ed.D.