“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. Maybe many of us won't be here to greet her, but on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing.”
― Arundhati Roy, War Talk
In the great journey of life, we often find ourselves navigating through the rivers of experiences, challenges, and relationships. These rivers can be turbulent and unpredictable, much like the twists and turns we face on a river kayak or rafting adventure. Just as in kayaking, where we learn to maneuver around dense objects and follow the natural flow of the river, our journey through life requires us to make choices that lead us away from toxicity and towards peace. This parallels the idea that the longer we entertain toxicity and low-level conversations, the more we delay the arrival of true peace in our lives.
Early on in our spiritual journey, it's akin to seeing the entire river spread out before us. We take the time to understand the waters, learn about the currents, take breaks in eddies, eddy-hop, enjoy the rapids, and discover how to navigate around obstacles. We gather knowledge and insights about our environments, much like understanding the landscape of the river and the nature around it. As we gain more experience and wisdom, we may opt for a pivotal shift. We realize that to maximize the fun we have an invitation to focus on what we want to create, how we can contribute, how we can realize personal spiritual fulfillment, just as an experienced kayaker zeros in on the line they want to take to stay safe and also to have fun, rather than being fixated on every obstacle in their way.
At one point the metaphor of letting go of the shores becomes profound. If you feel you are being drowned swimming agains the current and in pain consider letting go of the relationships and things that no longer support your path and contribution to the World.
The shores represent the familiar, the comfort zone that often holds us back from embracing change and growth. As the quote suggests, it's about pushing off into the middle of the river, where the flow is strongest and the journey is most transformative. We must let go of our attachment to the known and venture into the unknown with open eyes and an open heart. In this space, we can truly immerse ourselves in the journey, seeing who is navigating alongside us and celebrating the shared experience.
The words of the Hopi Elders' Prophecy resonate deeply here. They remind us that we are living in a pivotal moment in history – an hour that demands our attention, our intention, and our action. We are urged to reflect on where we are living, what we are doing, and the nature of our relationships. Are we in right relation with ourselves and those around us? Are we embracing our truth and creating a community that uplifts and supports one another?
Just as skilled kayakers must adapt and flow with the river's course, so too must we adapt to the currents of life. Banishing the word "struggle" from our mindset, we can navigate challenges with a sacred perspective. By focusing on the sacredness of our journey and embracing celebration, we align ourselves with the powerful flow of the river. We become co-creators of our reality, shaping our path with intention and love.
The wisdom of the elders resonates with the modern world, where distractions, negativity, and toxicity abound. It's a call to action – to take responsibility for our own growth, to build meaningful connections, and to let go of the attachments that hinder us from evolving. We are reminded that we are the ones we've been waiting for – the leaders of our own journey, the creators of our reality.
As we steer our metaphorical kayaks through the rivers of life, let us heed the call to embrace the flow, release toxicity, and foster peace. Let us navigate with the wisdom of those who have walked before us, and with the understanding that by letting go of the shores, we step into a realm of infinite possibility. It is in this place that we discover our true power to shape our destiny and make the most of the precious time we have.
As the Hopi Elders' Prophecy beautifully advises, let's clasp our hands together, smile, and realize that this is indeed a good time. The river is flowing swiftly, and though challenges may come, we can find solace in knowing that the river has its destination. With eyes open, heads above water, and hearts filled with celebration, we navigate towards our own peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
Reading : We are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered…
Where are you living? What are you doing? What are your relationships? Are you in right relation? Where is your water? Know your garden. It is time to speak your truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for your leader. Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, “This could be a good time! There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word ’struggle’ from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. ~Hopi Elders' Prophecy, June 8, 2000
Discussion :
Personal Reflection:
How do you interpret the metaphor of navigating a river as a representation of our journey through life?
Can you relate any experiences in your life where you had to let go of familiar "shores" and venture into the unknown? How did it feel?
Toxicity and Peace:
According to the blog, how does entertaining toxicity and low-level conversations affect our ability to find peace in life?
Can you provide examples from your own life or from the world around you where toxicity hindered personal growth or peace?
Spiritual Journey:
Describe the difference between viewing the "river of life" as a whole at the early stages of a spiritual journey versus focusing on a chosen path later on.
How does gaining knowledge about the world contribute to our ability to shape our own reality, as mentioned in the blog?
The Shift in Perspective:
What is the significance of the quote "let go of the shores" in relation to personal growth and transformation?
How might embracing change and leaving our comfort zones contribute to a more fulfilling life?
Hopi Elders' Prophecy:
How does the Hopi Elders' Prophecy encourage us to view our role in the present moment of history?
In what ways can we apply the advice from the Hopi Elders' Prophecy to address challenges and create a positive impact in today's world?
Navigating Challenges:
How does the metaphor of a skilled kayaker navigating obstacles relate to facing challenges in life?
Share an example from your life where you successfully navigated a challenge by adapting to the situation and flowing with it.
Letting Go of Struggle:
According to the blog, why is it advised to banish the word "struggle" from our mindset? How might this mindset shift affect our approach to difficulties?
Can you think of situations where changing your attitude from one of struggle to one of sacredness could have a positive impact?
Taking Responsibility:
How does the concept of "being the ones we've been waiting for" empower individuals to take charge of their lives and communities?
What are some ways you believe you can contribute positively to your own life and to the well-being of those around you?
Balancing Wisdom and Innovation:
How can we find a balance between learning from the wisdom of those who have come before us and embracing new ideas and innovations?
Share your thoughts on how societies can benefit from both traditional knowledge and modern advancements.
Creating Meaningful Connections:
In what ways can the metaphor of "seeing who is navigating alongside us and celebrating" apply to building strong and supportive relationships?
Share an example of a time when you felt a strong sense of community or support from those around you.