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River Time

 


"River time," Lisa said with a smile.

"River time!" I repeated as I settled onto the sand for our morning meditation.  

"River time.  How do we carry river time with us into our daily routines when we get back home? That's the morning meditation today," Lisa explained as she took a seat on the sand.

Shannon and Brett followed suit, and the meditation began.

River time is magic time.  There is no agenda, no hurry, no stress.  We only have to get from point A to point B in the course of each day.  We are immersed in nature for days, eating, drinking, sleeping outside.  Of course, I found Levity on this trip.  Of course, Joy and Acceptance and Gratitude and Peace arrived.  They had space to arrive.  Simplicity allows for Clarity, and the river is nothing but simple.

Could I hold on to my new party guests when I returned to the real world?

Heidi, this is reality, I reminded myself.  Yes, but it's a much simpler form of reality.

My mind was quiet on the final morning meditation.  Once again, I lay on my back on the sand, feeling the earth supporting me as I watched the tree tops and the birds circling high overhead in an ocean of sky.  I felt calm.  I felt Peace sitting close by, smiling at me and with me.  I hoped my new guests would come along for the journey home.  I didn't know if they would, but all I could do was try.

Slowly, we got up and climbed onto the boats.  The day was perfect.  Bright blue sky, warm air, a stunning canyon, and three of my very best friends who helped transform me from a sobbing mess on the floor to the tenth version of my new self, stronger, more assertive, and happy once again.

The miles passed quietly and too quickly.  I didn't want it to end.  

"Let's keep going," I said to Shannon as we floated along in the current.  "Let's refuel in Riggins and keep going."

"I would love to.  Wouldn't that be cool?"

We both smiled at the thought, quiet for a few moments.

"I wasn't going to say anything, but we're close enough to the take-out that I feel safe in saying it," Shannon said with a grin.

"What's that?" I asked, grinning back at him.

"We've had a tailwind all morning!" he exclaimed, then laughed.  "That NEVER happens!  A tailwind!  On the Main!  All morning!"

I nodded, and we both laughed.  My heart swelled with Gratitude for this magical river canyon, for these wonderful friends who took the leap with me, and for this trip that was more powerful and more healing than I ever thought possible.  I tilted my face to the sun and laughed more.

Yes.  This is reality.

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