Musing: Transfiguration

Last night I was at a tea party when someone asked the question, "If you could have any ability that you do not already possess, what would it be?"

My husband answered immediately, "I'd fly." Good answer we all agreed. Various other responses circled the table when finally it was my turn. After much consultation on what exactly the word was that best described my desire, I settled on "transfiguration".

I had it in mind that I'd be able to shape-shift in typical Hogwart fashion save the spells. So things like flying and holding my breath for minutes are understood, but what is essential is that I'd maintain my human perspective. There would be little worse than having the ability to turn into a lizard, scale a vertical cliff, reach the top and forget that I too can be an eagle. Lunch.

Here is the dictionary definition of "transfiguration": noun

• a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state

SO yeah. Now that I know this, I suddenly realize that I already have this rather subtle ability. And that perhaps I have not yet realized it's full potential. Thank you J.K. Rowling, for making that word a part of my vocabulary beyond it's typically religious connotations.

My musing for today: be the bird not the reptile.