The story about Jonathan Seagull is most philosophical and metaphysical too. It seems that what is important within the whole book very much depends on the reader and his personal perception. Each reader is touched differently whilst reading the book. But it makes us reflect and deliberate on our own life. It is also a story about searching for freedom and our longing for perfection. But how can we feel complete and at ease with ourselves? How can we reach freedom?
First, Jonathan needs to find his own freedom to become free. He leaves the flock and learns more and more and grows constantly by making experiences. After having left the flock he is forced to lean on himself and not rely on anybody else. There is nobody he can ask a question to make up his mind but he now needs to listen to his inner voice in order to know what is important. Jonathan is not pressured anymore, which gives him the chance, on the one hand, to learn more, on the other hand, to believe and trust his feelings and thoughts step by step.
Secondly, on his way Jonathan meets Sullivan and Chiang, which is fundamental to his growth and development. It seems to me that they give him the final ’’polish“ on what he has already experienced. Giang is very wise, intuitively knowing, aware and therefore he still can teach Jonathan a lot. He once says to Jonathan, ’’the trick is to stop seeing yourself as trapped inside a limited body that has a forty-two-inch wingspan...” Jonathan tries fiercely to „move“, to understand….! One day he suddenly knows the meaning of Chiang’s words and he fully realizes that he is perfect, that he is unlimited and that he has already arrived. Chiang also tells him to keep working on love and to understand the nature of love.
From my point of view, this section in the book is essential because after that Jonathan returns to the flock. Having been lonely is one part of his learning, but being with Sullivan and Chiang makes him even stronger. He learns that he can achieve everything if only he does not stand in his own way or does stay with old rules or limits set by his flock. Jonathan needs to be consistent with himself and his body – and than he is free. Perfection is in him, in us...and once Jonathan knows clearly he is much calmer and starts even forgiving his flock. To return to his flock means that he has learned enough and now is ready to teach others, to give away his knowledge. Jonathan has again and again overcome his fears and also broadens his mind over what is supposed to be normal.
This is an amazing book since you only have a little text but you receive much content. It is about reading between the lines and to choose from it whatever is relevant to you. We are often too scared to let ourselves go and we need society to feel safe. I guess this book shows us that we never should stop believing in ourselves. Our inner voice is relevant and not what others say or expect us to do or to be. But we need to understand that this is a process and that we are all learners – all the time and again and again! As long as we are on earth we should try not to hide but be anxious about what is around us and trust in our capabilities. After a while, when have made our own experiences, we might be ready to share our knowledge, to forgive or to make others see the possibilities of live.
This book is simple but it can be a journey to yourself. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Renata