packing a balanced boat
Posted by Melanie on Jun 1, 2010 in meditation, mindfulness, power of now | 10 commentsPersonal Peace – YUMMMMMMM. Sometimes it seems so very far away, yet the key is as close as your next breath. When you realize that and take full ownership of your experience in life, you are in for a pretty sweet ride.
When I was in my twenties, I spent several summers as a guide on the Colorado River in southern Utah. I’m still unpacking what I learned on the river and from the desert in those summers. One perfectly obvious lesson came from packing and unpacking my boat. I was responsible for my boat. Of course, I could ask for help and it was there in a skinny minute. But when it came time to get on the river, the oars were in MY hands.
It was up to me to make sure that the boat was balanced. And we all know that a balanced boat makes for a smoother ride. It was up to me to stay in the current and navigate the rapids. How this translates today is that I can pack the boat of my life with all kinds of activities, people, and thoughts that take me out of the current of my life. And, before I know it, I’m trying my darnedest to paddle my way out of some eddie or I’m rowing backwards through some rapid.
Or, I can get conscious about what I’m putting in the boat of my life — today. I can make sure that my boat is balanced with the three essential keys to life balance and personal peace – centering practice, self reflection and body care. I can anticipate any rapids that I might be approaching and make the necessary adjustments to navigate those life challenges with greater equipoise and greater peace. This is made so much easier if I’m already rowing along with centering practice, self reflection and body care.
When I’m taking care of myself through regular centering practice, self reflection and body care – the boat of my life floats along life’s current with much greater ease. If I neglect one of these, I’m sunk. Though I’d really like to unpack this topic more completely, a blog post just doesn’t lend itself to this exploration. That’s why I created the Reclaim Your Life 21 Day Challenge. Stay tuned. I’ll tell you more later.
In the meantime, what about you? How’s the boat of your life packed today? Are you making sure to pack your boat well? What one thing can you do today that will help you feel more centered?
What a great analogy. I believe my boat is very lopsided with all work and no play. I am looking forward to learning more about your 21 day challenge. Thanks for the reminder that life must be balanced.
I love your stories about the river, Melanie. They remind me of one of the most peaceful experiences I’ve ever had, doing a “canoe float” (no paddling, just allowing the river to carry us) down the Des Chutes River in Oregon. Ahhh. What a great metaphor for that need for balance in our lives. I can’t wait to dive into your 21 day program!
Today my boat is a little anxious because I’ve been on a much needed vacation for a week and not really ready to get back to work. But…because my boat likes to have nice things and gas in the tank…I think I better get my mind back into work mode!!
Nice translation, Melanie. As a water sign I like the water analogy, but of course for me, it always goes back to the horse memories, and what it felt like to ride when perfectly centered with my steed’s movement. I think the PEAT work has helped me to find that balance as well as to identify the vibration that is carrying me ‘downstream’ as Abraham-Hicks says, and ‘in the flow.’ The horses seem to stay there. Love your blog. Blessings, Pam
I really love the metaphor of the balanced boat. I can really identify with that; as I love the many rich meanings of water and floating. And … your words really have me thinking about my cargo – and hopefully before it becomes flotsam. Jeff
We used to run the Colorado River every summer when we lived out in Denver. Balanced boat = good ride. Otherwise, disaster. As in life, as you have wisely said.
Sue Painter
Love the river analogy! I grew up close to the Ocoee river and we used to go rafting before it was cool. The thing I remember most is that if I didn’t have a secure footing, I was sure to pop out of the raft!
I’m taking the concept of balanced life very seriously these days. Right now, I’m writing from Sacramento, CA, where I’m speaking at a conference. My daughter is here with me and we’re headed to San Francisco tomorrow to play for a couple of days. It’s giving me fabulous 1-on-1 time with her!
Thanks for teaching us how to live in balance Melanie!
Sandy
Melanie, I love the metaphor of the balanced boat and of course doesn’t it make sense that if your boat is balanced it will be a smoother ride…just like life. Since we are all dynamic true balance is impossible, but having the skills to deal with the rapids is what makes shooting them possible.
Blessings,
Julie Hawkins
I just did a mind-map of my boat. I was pleasantly surprised how balanced it is and how well it was packed. It can even hold more but the key, as you have mentioned, is balance. Thank you for bringing this to my attention – sometimes we get out of balance and aren’t even aware of it until we’re listing to one side.
Thanks for sharing, y’all!