Lessons from seven principles of the eagle (1)

By Lanre Oyetade

I have, in the recent past, received a deluge of requests from readers to send them a copy of this write-up, which appeared in this column sometime back, and so I do an ‘encore’ here, just like I promised some of you.

So, once again, in line with our efforts at inspiring one another, we want to examine seven of the principles of one of the most astounding creatures of the Almighty – the eagle. The eagle is so spectacular that even the scriptures – God’s own very Word makes profound reference to this bird.

So let us take a look into the attributes or principles of this creature called the eagle, as culled from the December 2003 edition of the newsletter of the defunct Standard Trust Bank, before it went into a merger arrangement with UBA Plc. This is done with a view to learning and imbibing some, nay, all of them into our lives towards self-development and a fulfilled living.

1. The eagle flies alone at a high altitudes
The eagle is not found among sparrows or mixing with other smaller birds. The cliché that birds of a feather flock together is true here. No other bird goes to the height the eagle does. Eagles cruise at altitudes at which only eagles cruise. And they never cruise in a flock. The Good Book records that when Moses went to commune with God on the mountain, he left the crowd at the foothill and went alone. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with eagles.

2. The eagle has strong vision
Its vision is said to focus up to five kilometers from the air. When an eagle sites prey –even a rodent – from this distance, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it, no matter the obstacle. The eagle will not shift his focus from his prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle is, and you are on your way to Success Land

3. The eagle eats no dead thing
Rather he feeds on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals but not the eagle. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Do your research well always and have a listening ear to the ground.

4. When clouds gather, the eagle gets excited
It is said that the eagle is the only bird that loves the storm. The eagle uses the wings of the storm to rise and is pushed up higher. He rides higher against the storm, not with it. Once he finds the wings of the storm, the eagle stops flapping and uses the pressure of the raging storm to soar the clouds and glide. This gives the eagle an opportunity to rest his wings. In the meantime, all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of our lives (obstacles, troubles, etc) as stepping-stones to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably. No cross, no crown; no pain no gain!

5. The eagle tests before he trusts
When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she flies down to earth with the male pursuing her and she picks a twig. She flies back into the air with the male still pursuing her. Once she has reached a height high enough for her, she lets the twig fall to the ground and watches it as it falls. The male chases after the twig. The faster it falls, the faster he chases after it until he reaches it and he has to catch it before it falls to the ground, then brings it back to the female eagle. The female eagle grabs the twig and flies to a much higher altitude pursued by the male until she perceives it high enough, and them 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, which shows commitment. Then, and only then, will she allow him to mate with her! Whether in private life or in business, one should test the commitment of people intended for partnerships.

Next week, we shall take the concluding part of this treatise. So watch out. Meanwhile, how prepared are you for the inauguration of Club Inspirati, billed for Saturday, August 02, 2008 at the Meeting Room 4 of Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos from 10am? A host of ‘mentor-members’ such as Jimoh Ibrahim, Hauwa Audu, Tope Popoola and Ayo Arowolo, among others, are expected at the event to exhort us all. Please check both the inbox and bulk/spam box of your email boxes for details if you have already sent in your email addresses. Till next week, stay inspired in His presence!