What brings you peace?
For me being on the water is very peaceful and helps me to reset things.
It only happens once and year and never lasts long enough but each summer I go out on the boat with friends. Just the feel of hopping waves and gliding over the river has a calming effect and a feeling of putting my body in some form of alignment.
This summer has been so hot and even on the not so hot days, the air quality has been just awful which means I can’t get out…and the river with three big waterfalls is just a few blocks away! While not quite the same as actually being on the water, it does help being close.
Back is 2001 after the Twin Towers tragedy, the Eastman House in Rochester, New York announced an exhibit where they were soliciting members of the public to submit photos of what peace meant to them, what did they cherish. Nearly every photo was of family members and fur babies.
Mine was one I had taken only a few months before on the Summer Solstice. I had walked to the end of the pier with the intent of getting a photo of the sun as it cast a reflection on the lake. I sat at the end of the pier for half an hour waiting for the perfect shot. Just as I was about to take the shot, a boater passed across the stream of sunlight on the water. I was not upset, but found the silhouette of the boat made the picture even better.
I don’t remember the words I used, but it was in reference to the peacefulness of the water.
I have always been drawn to the water. I’m convinced it has some connection to my ancestral roots of Norsemen who travelled the seas.
I only wish I could spend more time on the water; I’m sure my creative endeavours would benefit greatly.
