Staying the Course
“The river she is flowing,
flowing and growing.
The river she is flowing,
down to the sea.
Mother cradle me,
Your child I will always be.
Mother carry me
Down to the sea…”
(Repeat)This is a chant sung in many sacred moon lodges. Author unknown.
If we are traveling in a water-worthy boat down a river, there are some things we already know about the journey, even before beginning it.
We know there will be turns and maybe falls we will need to maneuver. We know the current‘s speed and depth may change unexpectedly, depending on unforseen and unseen forces in the depths below us. Even though being well prepared for possible hitches in our plans, we know weather and external events could arrive that we may not feel prepared for. We also know that if we stay the course, the river will lead us eventually to the ocean. The ocean, the womb of Mother Earth, home.
A good story teller or minstrel might exaggerate the details to add to the excitement and challenges one might encounter. However, I describe our hero as a simple human with a spiritual commitment to staying the course, and attempting to stay as fully present as possible in each part, each day, each moment of the journey.
You are invited:
Metaphors present the opportunity for each of us to fill in the details of our own unique experiences along the road, or in this case along the river we have chosen, or find ourselves traveling on. The hero of this story could be a seeker, traveler, disciple, student, mystic, avatar, star seed, devotee or many other self-descriptions. Matters not, because we may travel without any consciousness of our name as we focus on the flow of the waters we are depending on to carry us home or to “the ocean.”
I ponder, what are the strengths I need to carry me through this journey I have undertaken, despite the inevitable challenges to be met? Patience, determination, courage, stamina, trust, unconditional love? Yes, and many more…How hardy, how seasoned, how steady is my boat? My faith? Here is a quote relating to staying the course when the waters beneath us become rough to the point of causing us to doubt the choices that brought us here. What of faith?
“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.“
-James 1:2-4, Bible, KJ Version
I have carried that quote with me for decades; no matter where I moved in life, I kept it close. The inspiration and strength I gained and still gain from it resonate in this prayer which I also have carried with me:
“A Prayer for Steadfastness
Lord, help me remember that there is a blessing hidden in every challenge and hardship in my life. I affirm that by placing my trust in God, I am always in the right place at the right time. I trust in the perfection of God’s design, here and now!” My silent addition to the prayer is I forgive myself when I judge myself for not being “perfect,” knowing spiritual perfection does not mean perfect (no mistakes) in physical earth reality. Forgiveness is the balm, reconciling heaven and earth. Trusting in “not my will, but Thy will” summons my soul’s presence, summons inner harmony, summons Grace.
An invitation to ponder your unique journey:
What is the nature of your journey? What metaphors resonate with you?
What strengths are helping you to stay the course you have set for yourself?
Are you forgiving, taking shelter, giving shelter to others?
What self-care gives you a sense of spiritual steadfastness?
Blessings on your journey. May you find the blessings that are seeking you, and rest in them.
Sophia