Inspirational Information

The River of Life


I've always loved the awesome majesty of mountains. They are, however, the byproduct of the rivers that formed them: flowing, adjusting, carving, crashing and gently nurturing the land and animals along the way. The river carves its way through, and the mountains answer as towers of strength. Like the river, our lives are forever moving and changing, shaping us as the water shapes the land it flows through.

The water's FLOW shapes the river, shapes the land, and defines the river's size along its path. The water reacts to obstacles in its way. It creates pools, channels, and gorges. It also determines the habitat and landscape that surrounds it, the food sources within it, and the animal and plant life that can survive in it. The animals and plants depend on it for life itself. In the same way, we flow and adjust, change and contribute along the path of life.

There is an unseen force driving the flow: THE UNDERCURRENT. The undercurrent can be strong and drive the flow quickly. Like the river, we have a hidden force that drives us. The spirit that drives us can be strong and vibrant; sometimes beautiful, sometimes murky, and sometimes unknown.

The RAPIDS result from obstacles beneath the surface. We experience turbulence when unexpected changes/obstacles affect us. At times staying afloat seems like an insurmountable task. We struggle to adapt to the rapids in our life and find that the turbulence becomes part of our life's flow.

WATERFALLS are strong, powerful, one of nature's greatest hazards and most beautiful phenomena. For us, the waterfalls of life interrupt our normal flow with great force and strength. Major life changes throw us into emotional falls, and feelings that are strong, intense and powerful. The waterfall is unpredictable and frightening because we lose control. If we ride the waterfall, we can savor the feeling that awaits us when we arrive at the gentle swirling pools at the bottom.

WHIRLPOOLS form when the rushing water hits an obstruction. The water turns around and around, in a swirling motion?. Spinning and out of control. In our lives, the whirlpools churn us around, suck us in and spit us out. The secret to surviving the whirlpools is to relax, let go, and realize we are not in control of many things. Even though we think we will sink at the time and never be able to come up for air, we will eventually pop up, just as a leaf that is sucked into the whirlpool will pop up.

Reaching the calm POOLS is the reward. For us, the pools bring those moments of calm and reflection. This is the place for learning and recuperation?. taking a deep breath?. And then moving on.

At the EDDIES, the water actually turns around and flows upstream along the bank, and then turns around to join the downstream flow. For us, the eddy is the place for reflection; Looking at what is past, learning from it, and moving on.

In the end, the river, which is now bulging with life, energy, and fullness, joins the sea, contributing all it has gathered along the way. Just like us: we flow, adjust, grow, and bring what we have to something bigger.

Copyright © Soaring 2004 by Cheryl Perlitz

All rights reserved

About The Author

In the business world, Cheryl Perlitz is best known as the author of the popular book, "Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity - Reclaim your life" and her upcoming book "Survival Tips Handbook."

Cheryl's clients, friends and colleagues know her as a fearless mountain climber and nature lover with an insatiable spirit of adventure. She is a dynamic speaker and trainer/facilitator for Candidate University and the National Speakers Assn.

Cheryl's message to you; "TRANSFORM YOUR MOUNTAINS INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE AND POSITIVE CHANGE." You may contact Ms. Perlitz through her website.

julie@rivendellcommunications.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Have an inspirational story? We're all ears
Orlando Sentinel, FL - 6 hours ago
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ...


DevilsDigest.com

Duck Awards Banquet
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - 4 hours ago
Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ...
Nick Reed Tabbed as Ducks' Most Outstanding Player GoDucks.com
all 8 news articles


This is a Film About How One Remarkable Life Can Inspire Many ...
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
"Bridging The Gap" is an inspirational documentary film about an equally inspirational teacher who has raised the quality of life for hundreds of students ...


Voice of America

As proud African American, Rice calls Obama 'inspirational'
AFP - Nov 5, 2008
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday called President-elect Barack Obama "inspirational," saying his election marked "an ...
Video: Rice Congratulates Obama on Victory AssociatedPress
Rice calls Obama "inspirational", promises smooth transition Hindustan Times
Rice hails 'inspirational' Obama The Australian
International Herald Tribune - Radio Netherlands
all 321 news articles


New York Times

'Milk' brilliant, inspirational
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - Nov 25, 2008
Dan White (Josh Brolin) chats with fellow city supervisor Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) in the tragic fact-based drama "Milk." By Jamie Sotonoff | Daily Herald ...
Sean Penn Stars In Inspirational Gay Rights Tale "Milk" NY1
Get the Spill on 'Milk' NBC Philadelphia
Play It Again, Harvey East Bay Express
San Jose Mercury News - Queerty
all 711 news articles


IDCA conducts inspirational forum
IndiaPost.com, CA - Nov 28, 2008
CHICAGO: In its continuing series of monthly forums, IDCA held an educational and motivational forum on Saturday, November 22 at the Oakbrook Library. ...


Paralyzed School Shooting Survivor Writes Her Inspirational Story
MarketWatch - Nov 24, 2008
PADUCAH, Ky., Nov 24, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Dec. 1 will mark the 11th anniversary of the Heath High School shooting in Paducah, Ky., ...


The Age

Inspirational Moore meets toughest challenge head-on
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - Nov 27, 2008
But some things are what they are. Last weekend in Brisbane, Moore surprised his teammates, perhaps even himself, by leading out Queensland Roar at Suncorp ...
Top of the table clash for Queensland and Sydney ABC Online
Kosmina's men finally make a point Sydney Morning Herald
all 261 news articles


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Practical and inspirational, 'Fuel' faces the facts of the energy ...
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Nov 20, 2008
By SEAN AXMAKER The rallying cry of director/activist Joshua Tickell's "Fuel" is not as catchy as "Save the cheerleader, save the world," but it is ...


Inspirational painting for Xmas cards may fetch up to £70000
Aberdeen Press and Journal, UK - Nov 29, 2008
By Gillian Bell A PAINTING by a north-east artist which inspired one of Hallmark’s most popular Christmas cards is expected to fetch up to £70000 when it ...

Inspirational - Google News

home | site map
© 2006