"The birds like to return to familiar nesting spots, but inclement weather can jeopardise their efforts to reach those preferred destinations. If they fly into a storm, they risk exhaustion or disorientation. Instead, they may have to alter their course, forcing them to spend the winter in less familiar settings. When it comes to prospering through the winter, doggedly sticking to a particular route or rigidly fixating on a particular location can be counterproductive for migrating birds; flexibility is key."
"In psychological terms, an "intention" is a mental state that happens when we direct our thoughts toward a course of action. Intentions have long been recognised as integral to human experience. More than 2,500 years ago, Buddha taught that "right intention" (or sammā saṅkappa in Pali)-letting go of greed and desire, cultivating goodwill, and avoiding causing harm to oneself or others-was a crucial requirement for achieving enlightenment."
Thousands of birds migrate from Iceland to the British Isles each autumn, with Portmore Lough in Northern Ireland hosting whooper swans and greylag geese. The journey crosses the North Atlantic and exposes the birds to unpredictable, perilous weather that can force route changes or wintering in unfamiliar locations. Rigid fixation on a single route or location can be counterproductive; flexibility increases survival and winter prosperity. The migrating-bird metaphor illustrates the value of combining strong intentions with light attachment to outcomes. An intention is a mental state directing thoughts toward action. Ancient Buddhist teaching of "right intention" emphasizes letting go of greed, cultivating goodwill, and avoiding harm.
Read at Psychology Today
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