A STORY ABOUT THE EAGLE | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2022

Author: Dr. Chackochan J Njavallil

‘Among its species, the eagle has the longest life-span. It can live up to 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a very difficult decision!In its 40th year, the eagle’s long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food.

Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. The thick feathers of its old and heavy wings begin to stick to its chest making flight difficult. At that point, the eagle is left with only two options: DIE or go through a painful process of CHANGE!

This process lasts for 150 days (5 months). It requires the eagle to fly to its eyrie upon the mountain top. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it is able to pull it out. Then the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow. This process is repeated with its talons also. When its talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old feathers. And after this, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and LIVES for 30 more years!’

Of course, as the initial phrase says, this is a story or a myth and not a fact but it powerfully communicates the idea that to continue to be relevant and useful, one needs to go through the process of constant renewal. This is true regarding our personal, professional and spiritual realms. 

In this issue of Kairos Global, various authors share with us their efforts to remain updated especially in their spiritual pursuits. Every time we spare our time to spend with the Lord and every time we receive a sacrament meaningfully, we are renewing ourselves. 

In the area of business and industry, the basic trait needed to survive and expand is continuous improvement. Every organisation and its operations need to continually reinvent to avoid becoming obsolete. Kaizen is a beautiful Japanese word which communicates the idea powerfully. 

On the spiritual front, what are your efforts for continuous growth? When Jesus speaks about our need to be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect, he definitely means our journey towards growth which will be complete only at our last breath. 

Some of the images used by St Paul also remind us to be ever vigilant and grow continuously. Running faithfully, fighting the war well, are very good metaphors of being ever prepared and ever growing. 

At Kairos, we will be happy to hear from you about how you keep yourself updated and relevant in the personal, professional and especially spiritual dimensions of your life.

Let's grow together!