Historically, carrier pigeons were once used to link all the main towns and cities in Syria and Egypt. This was the sole source of communication. In Roman times the pigeon was used to carry results of sporting events such as the Olympic Games and this is why white doves are released at the start of the Olympic Games today. In England, prior to the days of telegraphs, pigeons were often taken to soccer matches and released to carry home the result of the game. Their use as a messenger in war time resulted in many pigeons being awarded honors by both the British and French Governments. Incredibly, the last ‘pigeon post’ service was abandoned in India in 2004 with the birds being retired to live out the rest of their days in peace.
Pigeons have lived alongside man for thousands of years with the first images of pigeons being found by dating back to 3000 BC. In Hindu mythology, Yama, god of the dead, has birds such as owls and doves or pigeons as messengers. The bible gives symbolism of the dove as a messenger or representative of the Holy Spirit.
So the metaphor we will use for pigeons will be one of a messenger and of honest, sure intentional communication.
The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. Sydney J. Harris
We communicate who we are all the time just by being alive. The message of the pigeon however, is that we communicate intentionally with care through speaking or writing. There is power to hurt or heal thru the written and spoken word. Just like the pigeon was the messenger; our words become the messenger of the intent of our hearts.
So for today May your words carry more than just information, but the intent of your heart and may the intent of your heart be compassionate loving kindness, ahimsa.
Info for this post comes from here.
