River of Life...

[DDT (12)]

We were cruising along the Clearwater River on our way east. We'd soon be crossing the Lolo Pass again, then eventually working our way back across the plains to Newberry, MI, and the annual 'Gig' gig... We'd already missed IZ this year, and I didn't want to risk being exposed as 'anti-social'... well, anymore than had previously been hinted at... Besides, there will be lots of people there that I really like and respect, and it would be good to hang with them for a weekend...

All the way alongside that river that had begun as a small trickle, I kept having a particular recurring thought... just how much that flowing, meandering artery of snow-melt reminded me of life itself... Tranquil and serene at times, tumultuous and turbulent at others, but never standing completely still.

The trick to successfully coping with the sequence of contrasts is to recognize that there is a pattern to it all, a rhythm of sorts, and that both extremes will inevitably come our way... again and again. That no one set of circumstances is permanent, constant or 'normal'. The 'normalcy' lies only in the continual variations!

The key, as much as we are able, is to gain understanding and coping techniques for all situations, to develop a wide array of skill-sets and an adequate intellectual database, and not simply to whine and bellyache about 'unanticipated' unpleasantries... the 'blind bad-luck' that sometimes seems to find us. To not simply react and respond to the jolts in life, but to anticipate many of the things that might otherwise trip us up and to survive with minimum fuss.

In that way we can have a vague idea of what might loom just ahead, with far less precision than we would prefer of course, so that we can in turn plan... and even make contingency plans. That we can prepare ourselves in advance, so that we're caught off guard less, and we're better able to not only survive the next big surprise but to perhaps even flourish through it all.

We can be beguiled and lulled into false expectations by ease and tranquility... and completely let our guard down...
the perfect guy poem

We can also be lured into unnecessary gloom because of occasionally rough waters... and become unnecessarily up-tight much of the time...


DDT

[Valkorado]

   Got me thinking...
Cheryl and In went outside last night to stare at the stars for awhile.  Some good gazing here.  Anyway, I started getting deep and mentioned how insignificant our problems on this little rock we call home really are in the universal picture.  I noted that it appears the Big Guy remains in charge, and the universe continues to expand at it should.

That river flows with living water.

Realizing our problems are irrelevant on the bigger scale doesn't make them less significant in our little bitty lives.  So we trod on...

With perspective that life is bigger than us, and it is good.

Zechariah 14:8

Carry on, Bruce!  

[RDAbull]

Thanks Bruce.  Seems to have been a lot of both in my/our lives lately.
Glad you got to the Yooper, wish Dan & I could have made it.

[John Schmidt]

Good analogy re. the movement of the waters. Yes, life tends to give us what you describe. Some calm periods, interspersed with varying degrees of turmoil....some of which I really could have done without. I'm told such periods build character. OK fine....I've built all the character I need for the balance of my years left on this blue marble. 

If you ever pass near or through the Green Bay area, give me a shout. Always an open door, conversation, warm bed, and I know some good places for to satisfy the appetite. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good analogy. I never thought of it that way before. 

[msb]

Yes, a very good analogy.  In this day and age of 24/7 media and instant information (and others' opinions) constantly being thrust upon us, it's more difficult to take the time to just isolate and think about stuff like this. I believe it's important to have/make that time, and of course you Bruce, have certainly been  more  successful in that regard than most.
Your thoughts here on "the river of life" certainly resonate with me....as a lifelong flyfisherman I have spent a considerable amount of time   meandering along and through the rivers, creeks, and mountain streams here in BC, AB, and into WA, ID, MT and WY . I mostly prefer to do this solo and I can tell you that I have had the exact same thoughts as you have articulated so well here. The beauty of flyfishing for me is not catching the biggest or most fish, it's just being on the river and blocking out all the other sh** for the day , watching and listening to  the water pass by, and  having the peace and time to think about what's really important in my life. The River of Life  in this sense is very much like the Road of Life, riding a lonely 2-laner in the middle of nowhere....they both provide the perfect setting and opportunity to ease ones mind and reflect on what's important in life

[Rams]

That stream/train of thought is much deeper than I normally go, never could float and swimming isn't my strong suit (along with deep thoughts)...……….
I'm just enjoying the ride.   

Rams 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I still say you should print / copy on paper all these words of wisdom you share with us . Could be a treasure to family for generations to come long after you are gone.

Ride On my friend.

[DirtyDan]

I still say you should print / copy on paper all these words of wisdom you share with us . Could be a treasure to family for generations to come long after you are gone.

Ride On my friend.

 

+ 1

Dan

[Oss]

 

Been thinking over your words Bruce

" Tranquil and serene at times, tumultuous and turbulent at others, but never standing completely still."

Change is indeed the only constant when dealing with time in our linear existence.

May your journey with Ali continue with more ups than downs.

Continue to say hello to people you meet with a smile.  It has served you well and works for me as well

Oss

Enjoying one of those Pralines     Sheila makes awesome Pralines

Amazing that we have made these lifetime friendships because of Mr Honda, and you have found a soulmate in Ali

[Bigwolf]

That is a good comparison!  Life does flow along through ever changing terrain that sometimes leaves it peaceful and smooth while other times it throws it into a boiling turmoil.  However, the process does seem to repeat itself again and again.  That, in itself, should give us sufficient thought to carry us through whatever terrain we encounter, be it a quiet pool, a raging rapid, or a pounding waterfall.

Stay true to your course and your quest my friend.


Jerry