Jonathan Livingston Seagull

The book written by Richard Bach is a story about a seagull learning about life, flight and self-perfection. It was published in 1970 and by 1972 had sold over a million copies, coming in as #1 on the N.Y. Times Bestseller list for 38 weeks straight.
Jonathan is frustrated with the seagull life of squabbling over food, boredom and materialism. He seeks a new passion for flight and sets out on many journeys. He reaches new heights and learns everything he can by meeting new gulls who also love to fly. His teacher shows him how to "move instantaneously to anywhere in the universe." I see this as similar to meditation. It's like taking your mind to new dimensions by focusing, practice and dedication. The story is inspiring to take new chances, reach new heights and try new things. This book has much more to it than I explained here and I encourage you to read it, its short, about 100 pages. I loved the book when I first read it, so I borrowed the movie from a friend and enjoyed that too. Now I also own the book on record that a found while rummaging at the Truro swap shop. All are equally great but the book is my favorite because as a read it in my own voice I can relate to Jonathan and his humble attitude about his choices and desire to share his happiness with everyone. This is a wonderful story with great imagination!
Today as I walked along the beach of Nauset Inlet I saw this lone seagull sitting on a rock and taking in the beauty of it's surroundings just as I was. I thought of Jonathan and remembered the great inspiration he gives me so I came home and read the book again. It's still just as good and I would recommend it to anyone.