Going with the flow was an experience, not just words as we paddle on the Sturgeon River yesterday.
We decide to paddle up the river, trying to make it up to the dam near Otter Lake.
But, I hadn't understood what it means to go against the current, until you are in a kayak paddling upstream.It means you have to paddle very hard to get anywhere, and if you stop, you lose the ground you just covered.
Or, you have to go on shore, and get out of the flow of the current. We did this a few times, just to catch our breath and give our arms a break.
After a few hours, we stopped for a break. It was quite clear we would not be reaching the top, unless we had a full day to do it.
So, we went up a bit further hoping for the narrower river, with less of a current, and a an easier paddle.
It was when we stopped fighting the current, took our paddles out of the water and let the river take us with her, that we all breathed a sigh of relief.
Going with the flow, felt incredibly peaceful.
The ease had me feeling giddy.
We all relaxed, and were able to catch a few photographs.
We chatted, dipped our paddles, kicked back and enjoyed the float back to the bridge.
What took us three hours, was now covered in one hour.
An hour of steering the kayak, and a few gentle strokes here and there.
There wan't a huge effort required.
You could literally enjoy the scenery and feel at one with nature, instead of the struggle.
Immediately, I understood the phrase, "going with the flow".
Or, even accepting what is.
It truly is an easier route to take.
There are many things in life, in the current of life, that are hard to accept or go with. However, I am pretty sure it is like a river. Going against the current moment, is harder than going with it.
To accept and embrace what is.
Feel the beat of this moment and time and not try and fight it.
After paddling like mad for 3 hours, to release the kayak into the current was so freeing.
We felt it down to our cells.
Joy replaced the focused effort.
It was a great day. I loved the exercise and how it felt to exert my muscles and even the accomplishment of paddling 7.3 miles.
And, I loved the life lesson it taught!
There are two ways to go through life, with the current or against it.
