Flowing River Wisdom

Greetings Fellow Soul Traveler,

 Every month we pull a card for the month; for October we pulled “Flowing River” from the Native Spirit Deck.

This card has personal meaning for me because of an experience I had many years ago. I love river rafting. (No, not the kind of white-knuckle-I-hope-I-survive river rafting.) I love the kind of river rafting where you float down a free flowing river with only few exciting rapids.

Here’s what happened. We had rented a raft for a river in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State.  The man we rented the raft gruffly said, “Now remember, if you fall out do not try to get back in! You can capsize everyone in the raft.  Just float to the pick-up place. Also, it’s really important to remember, if you do fall out don’t try to make it to the shore.  It’s wilderness along the river and we’ll never be able to find you . . . and there are a LOT of rattlesnakes along the river.” Gulp.

He also said, “It’s REALLY important that if you do fall out, your tendency will be to go head first. Do not! Lay back with your feet forward, so if you hit any rocks (and you will) it will be your feet not your head.” (This was in the days before river rafters wore helmets.)

With all the confidence of the young, I only half-heartedly heard all his warnings. I wasn’t concerned. No one was gong to fall out. However, to my surprise, when we went through a swirling rapid, I was the one to tumble out. Yikes!  I thrashed around in a panic, trying to swim to the disappearing raft. (I couldn’t have gotten back in anyway, as it was already far ahead of me.) I thought about trying to swim to the shore, but was sure that there were some fierce rattlers waiting for me.

I also forgot about not going head first, as I tried swimming after the raft.  Luckily finally I remembered… ‘Go feet first!” 

As I lay back; the flotation of my life jacket supported me. My panic subsided and a feeling of complete relaxation filled me. Although I was in a daunting situation, when I reclined, let go and allowed the river to take me, I enjoyed the sky, and the clouds. I saw steep cliffs on either side of the river and swallows pirouetting overhead.  It was incredible.  Simply letting go and enjoying the ride had made all the difference. I had gone from panic to peace. And sure enough I landed at the pick-up point none the worse for wear.

I’m glad for this experience, because in life when I begin to panic, I remember the power of letting go and allowing the current of life to take me. I’ve always been glad that I did. 

If you find yourself in a panic situation or in a challenging event, remember sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is let go and allow the current of spirit to carry you forward.

You have my love and support on your journey in life,

Denise