Monday, August 23, 2010

"Our Position In The Raft..."



It was mostly class three, but a few amazing class four also, to really get our attention and focus out among those river rapids... Such cold waters, such a beautiful warm day... It was going to be an adventure experience of contrasts I thought as we loaded, tied down, reviewed roles, dry practiced, then launched out upon the welcoming river.
We often ponder our position along this meandering journey of life, and time out there, and I do as well when a person chooses their spot in our raft...
This young one decided to get their position in the middle of things, both hands holding so tightly upon the rope that encircles our small craft for safety. Often this arises from the novices' level of experience, and just as often from the shyness, and likely yet developed confidences.
Then we embarked upon just what each of us needed out on those fast moving waters - some to refresh themselves, others to practice skills, a few to get the rust off, and the spirited ones to discover themselves...
Such waters share wisdom, provide teachings, show ways and means to create and develop ourselves. We journey through our own passages and positions, just as the rivers do themselves. From turbulence, to calmness, from shallow to very certain depths, from unknowns to excitements...
As the sun began to cross overhead, and as the day evolved even further, so did this young one, from a position in the middle, then to further up where more can be seen, where more can be done - then later to the very bow, the very front edge of it all...
It is at this point where initial anxiousness becomes confidence, where nothing is now between us and the churning waters, where we can then reach out and grasp, and experience, and find something that was always there inside of us...
Such fluid elemental growth, such connection with others, all while sharing an adventure out upon wild place waters. And then I noticed what was surely to develop, what I had hoped for to see... That young one's face, such a great grin, looking over a shoulder, wanting a try at my guiding position away in the very back now too.....
DSD

3 comments:

sciencedude said...

I remember my first rafting trip. Definitely wanted to be up front, to experience the true power of the water. Not to mention, it was much more fun!

Alexandra said...

What a wonderful story! The possibilities in life are endless for this young one who is willing to take chances and push boundaries!

Unknown said...

I so agree Alexandra.
It is indeed all about possibilities and potential for every one of us...
I have been enjoying following along on your wonderful adventures this summer season too.
DSD