Rivers are a lot like the wind in that they are quiet unless obstacles get in their pathway and cause diversions. The lovely sound made by those diversions are akin to the sound of singing, and my preference is to listen to a river that is singing. By that I mean there are rocks large enough to disrupt the surface of the water and enough of a downhill gradient for the flow to make sounds and various patterns on the surface. It is the obstructions on or just under the surface that cause a river to dance and sing. These obstructions that cause the water to divert from its steady downhill course can cause problems for unsuspecting kayakers or canoeists. But if they are prepared to look out for and anticipate the rocks and current changes, an area of obstructions and swiftly changing current can be given a name (i.e. Jackrabbit Rapid) and paddled through skillfully. It can be compared to a dance. The paddler is following the lead of the river and using the currents to help her successfully navigate through the obstructions.
So with our lives: I can identify with dancing and singing. They are diversions and enjoyable for me as well. But what about diversions that are not fun? What about things that cause my flow to be disturbed, ruffling both my surface and my depths? When a river encounters an obstruction, it either goes around, over or under and continues on its way. Yes, there is a change in direction for a brief period of time, but it is still the same river and it continues on its way. The obstructions produce turmoil, but it is the turmoil that often provides opportunities for growth, as well as the dancing and singing. As mentioned above, to successfully navigate through a section of river strewn with obstructive rocks, it is necessary to anticipate what is ahead and plan your route through the rapid. Planning your way through obstructions is just as important in life as it is in paddling a rapid. Obstructions can be missed if you plan and have the knowledge and skill to adjust for it. In paddling a river, adjustment is everything. Leaning too much in the wrong direction can cause you to capsize, and not leaning enough in the right direction can do the same thing. So having adequate knowledge and skill is as important as planning your route. Our life obstructions can frequently seem overwhelming. But with the knowledge, skill and planning they can be navigated successfully. If you are lacking the knowledge and skill necessary, be proactive and learn what you need to know. If you want to paddle a river, get some good instruction and develop your skills. You can deal with life obstructions in the same way. But if it feels like the obstruction is as big as a dam, know that the water will eventually flow over the top or be released from the bottom even though the flow rate might be slow. And even dammed up water provides opportunities for life to flourish. Usually the largest fish live in the deep water just in front of a dam.
