I like to walk the golf course in the early morning on a sunny summer day. Sometimes it can be a time of solitude when I can golf solo on a weekday. Coal Creek golf course has the advantages of having both the Flatirons views along with the snowy back range views. I am so grateful to have the mountains in my backyard, especially when I am outdoors to experience them. Looking at the beautiful vistas of Boulder County keeps me attentive while I play a round of golf.
One morning I climbed up the slope of the dogleg on the second hole after hitting a good shot into the blind green at the top of the hill. As I got nearer to the green, there was a four foot tall bird standing in the middle of it. I recognized that it was a bald eagle, with its white head, and large brownish body. It was big, and I noticed its legs were as thick as stumps. The eagle looked me in the eyes without movement, and I marveled at its presence, beauty, and strength, feeling excited and a bit fearful as we engaged together for that long moment. I was aware of saying to myself “this is awesome.”
I looked around to see if anyone else was seeing this with me. I was by myself with this tremendously strong, graceful, raptor. The eagle seemed as though it was waiting for me to watch it fly away. It looked a bit hesitant as it began to open its gigantic wings for flight. It seemed like slow-motion, as its twelve-to-fifteen-foot wingspan spread out. It took off in a low trajectory, as if it were slightly wounded, making just a couple of flaps of its large wings. I reveled in its beauty as it started low but gained height as it flew east. Its wingspan was wider than my home’s living room. I felt awe in that moment, an experience of excitement and privilege to be in that place and time.
I think of this moment often whenever I want to describe the feeling of awe. It was spectacular, and meaningful, and still gives me a deeper appreciation of the natural world I am honored to be in. When I am in the presence of an awesome vision, I also feel a spiritual connection to all the people and living things in my life.
I ask people sometimes to describe one of their moments of awe, as it helps me feel connected to them. Do you remember feeling awe, and can you look for it regularly in living each day?
Marc Esenwein is Vice President of The INM Board of Directors and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder. As a LCSW therapist working with youth and families, he likes to help others learn effective ways to connect. Finding the intersection between spiritual and mental health issues is particularly meaningful in his life.