I sat at the front of the canoe, simply staring at the calm water, not catching any thoughts in my head, letting my hair get blown in the warm breeze...
Our son was lying in the middle enjoying the moment quietly, while my husband navigated the course...
Actually, this time we didn't have any destination in mind; we just left the canoe in the middle of the wide lake allowing the flow of the water to lead us...Water has always been a part of human beings and I know we have an inherent part of us that is in tune with it. Every time I am on the canoe, I feel a deep connection with water and a great sense of where I am: I expand through the Universe. I feel alive and free. I observe the world but not as an outsider rather than as an inseparable part of it. I am seeing it through my eyes, hearing it through my ears, smelling it with every fiber of my body, touching it with my heart... I am in the center of the stillness when the only sound is my breath, leaves trembling and paddles gurgling. Nothing seems to matter at this moment. Everything fits together. All my worries and questions seem to float away as the water gently slides the canoe and my loved ones, and me... Oh, yes - we are one... in balance
As I am writing, I am thinking to myself:
Has it been too long as I have been paddling my canoe against the flow? How long can I keep my energy and strength to fight the current? Isn't it time for me to turn my canoe and go with the current and simply let the water lead me ...? What will I find upstream anyway?
Perhaps it is time for me to change the direction and trust the flow and let the Creative Force of The Universe carry me wherever it wants me to go
"Voyager upon life's sea,
To yourself be true,
And whatever your lot may be,
Paddle your own canoe.
Never, though the winds may rave,
Falter or look back;
But upon the darkest wave
Leave a shining track.
Paddle your own canoe..."
- Paddle Your Own Canoe - Sarah Bolton, 1851
equisite...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the water....being
near it, watching it, being
on it, hearing it.....ALL of
it speaks to my heart.
Love your sweet pics, as
always.
xo Suzanne
Oh my gosh, this is exactly what I'm thinking right now...I just needed you to write it out for me. I could read this over and over...I'm so truly happy that I found your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThese photos are amazing!
Beautiful post, photos and thoughts Sylvia. Thanks for sharing. I somehow missed your last 2 posts and want you to know I think they are beautiful. I love lily of the vally and lilacs so much and your mother's day tea photos are gorgeous. Have a blessed week. Pamela
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh....there is a time and a place for everything. A time to float, relax and let the tides take us where we know not where to go.
ReplyDeleteBut then there is a time to paddle AGAINST THE CURRENTS to reach our goals. But I believe we need that SILENCE FIRST to understand what they are. Happy sailing my sweet friend. Your photos are again SO PEACEFUL!!! Anita
I always love reading your words, Sylvia. This post feels so relaxing to me...I can envision myself just floating along on the water. I'm thinking though, that perhaps I've been fighting the flow too.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful week.
Simply beautiful, Sylvia...I love visiting you. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
I love all these, great shots.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful, thank for a peaceful journey through your photographs and writing
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Love your writing! These shots are amazing too! I would hang some of them on my wall!
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of this wisdom, dear friend...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art from a beautiful heart.
Water is my "soul place" too..
Sending love,
- Irina
I'm so glad you left a comment on my blog so I could find yours. Your photos are beautiful and your blog is peace and calm.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos and overall great post. Love the poem. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post and photography, Sylvia. It took me many years to figure out that I don't have to paddle so hard. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Zuzu
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR POINTING OUT THE DATE FOR ME!!!!!!!! Ohhhhhhhhhh my life is scrambled at the moment but I am so happy that you reminded me that I have another week to go! WOW you are fabulous my dear. MERCI!!!!!! SEE YOU IN TWO WEEKS!!!!! Anita
ReplyDeleteI changed the wording on my post. Wow was that good of you!
ReplyDeleteI will welcome you with open arms, dear friend! (And I know our wonderful Anita will too!)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed amazing Toronto, and I fell in love with it and its kind people...I hope you will feel the same toward our Twin Cities if you visit.. :)
Enjoy your weekend, dearest Sylvia!
Big hugs,
- Irina
Canoes scare me. I have never been in one because I have a maaaay-jah phobia of water. Lame, I know.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
What a beautiful, inspiring post! Just discovered your blog and very much like it here :-).
ReplyDeleteam following you now with gfc, and would be honored if you would like to visit me too.
have a gorgeous day!
jutta
Found you via Inspiration Friday - i love the quiet, still moments captured here. Beautiful writing.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures look fantastic! The emotions you want to convey are well-expressed. Personally, I realized how beautiful life is - a simple truth, which we tend to forget. Boats were made for us to cross through waters and are strong enough to resist unexpected natural circumstances. But then again, we are in control of how it will run. Put it this way: we are the "paddlers" of our life. Where we are heading, how we will surpass the challenge, is all within our control. It's an inspiration for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart. You have the most amazing photography.
ReplyDeleteblessings on this beautiful sunny day!
karianne