Reflections

I'm sitting beside a beautiful brook at the Asheville Botanical Garden. I don't know if it is the Pisces in me, but I almost always find water to be soothing.
Today, I'm struck by the metaphor of the brook to life. Sometimes, the water moves at a leisurely, calming pace. The water is clear to the bottom - nothing scary lurking below. I think this is where I would like to spend my life. Floating along peacefully, feeling carefree and safe.
In other places, the water isn't moving at all - it has become stagnant.  The water is clouded and murky.  Who knows what lies beneath? Who has the courage to stir it up? This happens to many of us as well. We become stuck, unsure of the next step or unable to take it. Perhaps we're afraid. Perhaps we're too content. Whatever the case, it often takes something monumental to get us moving again.
Then it comes: the pouring rain, the flood. Now the water is moving so quickly, we feel swept away. We try to fight against it, but it's useless. We despair, become hopeless. Yet, in the most simple terms, what we need to do in these most alarming of times is relax. Let go. The water will carry us forward. Eventually, we will return to the calm, peaceful flow.
When we accept what is, life moves on. Otherwise, we wear ourselves out by fighting against what is or being afraid of it.
Nature often shows us how to live.
We need only to take the time to stop and observe.

Accession

There is no explanation for some things that happen.  No understanding the why or why not.
Yet there are often treasures hidden within these otherwise painful moments.
   The unexpected gift of love and acceptance from another.
   The discovery of inner strength you didn't know you possessed.
   The realization that, though you are bent, you have not been broken.
Though the wound may be fresh and the pain deep, accept it and move forward.
Trust.  Believe.  Stand strong.  Press on.
There is beauty in every moment.