Like a River
I received this message as part of my 21 Day Miracle Newsletter from www.ilchi.com. I thought it was an inspiring way to look at life, which that website is full of by the way. I love water, and I love the idea of being like a river– strong and yet not rigid. It reminds me of the “urban poet” I met by the Boston Commons one day last year. I spoke with him for just five minutes, but the beautiful words that came out of his mouth were just what I needed to hear at that time. The only ones I remember are, “Firm, not hard. Soft, not yielding.” Almost like a river. Here is how Ilchi Lee put it:
Like River Water, Embrace Obstacles
Our lives flow like water in a river, like little paper boats floating on the river of time — but not passively. As masters of our own lives, we each have our own currents, creating new paths, speeds, and directions.
In our lives there will be difficulties, there will be loneliness, there will be obstacles. These challenges are there to help us to learn. We can create ways to overcome even apparently insurmountable obstacles and through this we grow. I have encountered many obstacles during my life, but ultimately, they have helped me along my way. Obstacles provide opportunities, positive steps to climb causing you to grow in a myraid ways.
When the river encounters boulders it does not stop, does not give up. The water carries on flowing over and around the rocks, persistent in its effort, strong in its direction, without fear.
You too should pass by obstacles like a flowing river. I ask you to create your own lives, boldly and yet quietly. Become like river water flowing beautifully, magnificently, and proudly. I want you to live your life for your vision, like a river that flows ceaselessly as it embraces everything in its way.
Ilchi Lee