Keeping Your Head Above Water

Living by a river in springtime is a challenge.  Snowmelt, warming temperatures, and rain contribute to the river’s swollen rise. Looking out the windows and opening the basement door to see how many stairs are covered occupy me. While talking on the phone to a friend, I watched a tree with a giant root ball bounding through the turbulence and just barely pass under the bridge. I feel anxious, worried, edgy, fearful.

So what can I practice to lessen the unease?

Breathe – deep breaths in, long breaths out. I, like the river, have rhythms and it’s best to focus on my own.

Accept the things I cannot change. No way can I keep the river from doing its thing.

Appreciate the benefits – nourished soils, easier time for the steelhead trout to jump the falls.

Go with the flow rather than aimlessly moving or being swept along

Stay afloat, buoyed by positive activities and friends