| |
| |
|
Faith411.com - Spirituality |
|
|
|
Vital information and articles related to Spirituality.The Wisdom of the River: Lessons Learned
Over the past few years I have watched the popularity of whitewater rafting grip the vacation market. "Strange", I thought. "Why would floating down a river become such a hotly contested vacation destination?" Today, I understand this phenomena completely. There is a wisdom and lesson that only the river can teach. It is a lesson that I intend to learn as often as possible. Whitewater rafting has become one of America's favorite recreational activities for many reasons. There are several theories on this but I think the majority of them miss the mark. The fans argue that what makes the whitewater experience so compelling, so satisfying, and so incredibly exhilarating is that it is REAL! This primal adventure is beyond comparison. "This ain't your daddy's video game adventure!" Although I consider this to be partially true. I believe that the reason that whitewater rafting has become so popular is because it teaches everyone who travels the river the most important spiritual lesson we could ever learn. All students understand the lesson while they are on the river but often forget it when they return to civilization. On the river, all you have is the "now." That is the ultimate high and profound lesson that the river teaches. The past and the future are of no value when you are amidst the challenge of navigating the whitewater rapids. What happened upstream or what might happen downstream are of no consequence while you become completely absorbed in the joy of the present. NOW. It is all that there is. The river drives this message home with tremendous clarity and excitement. Stop and think of how different life would be for you if you could apply this simple wisdom to your life. I often sit incredulously when I realize how I have let past upsets disrupt my peace of mind. That can't happen on the river! On the river the distinctions of past, present and future become amazingly clear. Very simply you recognize that the wake that is left behind does not navigate the raft. Likewise the future is uninteresting when compared to the exhiliaration of being totally 100% in the here and "now." The metaphor is quite profound. Over the years I have watched tourists navigate the rapids and it never ceases to amaze me! When you watch a group of vacationers all get "the NOW" message together, the exhiliaration is beyond comparison as they leave the past behind and partake in the challenge of the moment. The excitement and enthusiasm is contagious and a wonder to behold. Likewise, I often wonder how these vacationers return to their lives and if they remember the message they learned on the river? NOW. Every time I feel the need to make excuses I remember the lessons that I have learned on the river. NOW. Guess where I am headed for my next vacation? All aboard! NOW. Be careful what you agree with. Harald Anderson is the co-founder of artinspires.com a leading online gallery of Motivational Posters."When Art Inspires, Dreams Become Realities. His goal in life is to become the kind of person that his dog already thinks he is. http://www.artinspires.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Spirituality - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Tess Syndrome There's a lot of talk about angels these days. They're getting some pretty good press. Is America Losing Its Religion? Has America known its finest hour? Are we losing our religion and sanity as well? What is wrong with our society anyway? These are baffling questions that are frequently being asked by more and more people, even the media.From environmental pollution to spiritual pollution, from artificial food to artificial joy - these are the side effects of the pursuit of materialism (a by-product of the American Dream, as we know it). Our God of More than Enough There is no shortage in the abundance of blessings we are promised as God's children. We should expect to receive from Him if we believe the promises He's given us in His Word. Change Your Outlook on Change Make no mistake about it, change is challenging whether it is conscious or unexpected. Viewing adversity as change, not loss or failure, is part of empowered and positive thinking. From Superstition to Clashing Rocks "Our mind is capable of passing beyond the dividing line we have drawn for it. Beyond the pairs of opposites of which the world consists, new insights begin. Angel Connection - How the Angelic Realm is Interacting with Humanity at this Historic Time Angels, those divine beings of love and light, are here at this time in greater numbers than ever, to assist mankind in their evolution.As we face a time of great challenge and upheaval in our world, seeing death, destruction, hate and war, we need to realize that we are experiencing a very important era in history. Letting Go of Your Past Once you become saved and born again, the Bible tells us that we have now become new creations in Jesus Christ. All things have been made new. Lance Armstrong had it Right-- Every Second Does Counts! I have been counseling people on weight loss, exercise efficiency and nutrition for over twenty years. Every time I go to the gym I observe people, their training tactics and their workout habits. Spiritual Healing - The Hidden Truth and Misconception Throughout history, what is portrayed in all religions as being the manifestation of prayer or miracles is in fact manifestation of our connection with the essence of our Soul and the manifestation of the power of spiritual healing. We have heard throughout the centuries about such miracles that have happened to people, and how they changed their lives. What Is The Universal Subconscious? There are many different and interchangeable terms that are used to describe the Universal Subconscious mind. But whatever term you use, metaphysicians and scientists agree that our Universe is a field of vibrating energy. What is Prayer? Prayer from a child's simple bedtime prayer, to the prayers of the most devoted monks of the eastern religions, is something that is done the world over.My dictionary says prayer is:1. Prophetic Ministry: How to See in the Spirit and Begin Prophetic Words A Nathan type prophet sees with his eyes. A Samuel type prophet sees with all 5 senses. The Joy of Tantric Massage Originating in what is now modern India; Tantra is at least 5000-7000 or more years old, pre-dating and influencing both Hinduism and Buddhism.Many religions believe you can have either physical pleasure or spiritual growth, but not both. Pray Off Your Debts - in 10 Days or Less It will all be clear in a minute, but first I have to ask you.. What is the Evil Eye? The Evil Eye has been around since the beginning of time. It simply means sending someone a thought that seems intrusive or invasive or has the power to hurt him or her. Lucky Charms and Talismans Many of you already own several lucky charms or talismans. You just may not be aware of the object's symbolism or meaning. A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION - Wisdom From The Fulfillment Forum Books & Study Courses A few men and women are universally successful but such superior seeming geniuses usually lose so much empathy for we lesser souls that their relationships become selfish and self-defeating. Many end up alone and unloved, in a prison of their own making, as Michael Corleone did in The Godfather. Penthouse or Basement? The Spiritual Realm is Topsy-Turvy Am I dreaming? The sign outside the skyscraper reads: "Spiritual Realm." I hurry straight to the elevator. Authentic Spirituality: Pure and Undefiled Religion Because of the bright lights behind me, the golf balls themselves appeared to be glowing that night as they flew through the air. I couldn't avoid hearing a loud voice over the clicking of clubs hitting golf balls. Failure Is Never As Painful As Regret! "I would rather regret some of my failures in lifethan to live my life failing to forget myregrets." GRIn other words, failing at something and gettingback up is much less painful than to look back andregret not doing something (or doing something)and not being able to go back and change theoutcome.
|
|
Spirituality Articles Home Page | Spirituality Articles Site Map | News | Faith411.com Home Page EZmatic.com | IgoJo | UpBee | Blue Ryder | Health | ZippyGo | Ken J Wagner Faith411.com - all Vital information and articles related to Spirituality. |
| © 2006 |
