Adventure: Lessons From Niagara Falls
September 7, 2009
THAT is a lot of water… rushing at insane speeds down the Niagara River and off this ledge, pummeling the rocks (and anything else) below. As I understand it, four of the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Erie, and Huron) flow into this river… then Lake Ontario, then the St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic. Always have, always will.
So, of course, the only rational thing to do is to get on one of these boats (The Maid of the Mist) and get as close as possible to the falls in order to experience their hugely destructive power up close. Every one of these is packed full of people who PAY to be at the foot of the falls. We want to FEEL, and be inspired by, what water is truly capable of… even if it IS from a safe-ish distance.
It’s unbelievable, really… there are no words to describe this force of nature that will not be contained… it has a journey to complete, a purpose on this earth. This same water has continued in cycles throughout the ages: oceans to vapor to clouds to rain/ snow/ ice to rivers and lakes, and back again. Whether through sheer force, like Niagara, or through patient determination, as in the Grand Canyon, water never gives up.
Never.
And neither will I.
I am reminded of this quote by Brenda Peterson:
“Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world.”
What about YOU?
Have you learned how to be gentle AND strong? Do you know how to be patient and resourceful when possible, but forceful and determined when necessary? And do you have the wisdom to know the difference?
Thanks!!
P.S. – After reading Uzma’s comment below, I followed the link she left here and was utterly amazed by the pictures of water molecules under varying conditions of love, beauty, hatred, and ugliness. I HIGHLY recommend checking out these pictures of How Water Reflects Our Consciousness for yourselves.
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Gentle and strong? Check. Patient/resourceful, forceful/determined? check. Wisdom? uh-oh. Yeah, I don’t always know when to push back, or when to go with the flow. Going with the flow is easier, but sometimes to get where you want to go, you have to do a little swimming, push back against the current a bit. But how to know when to swim, and when to float? I dunno.
I know one way that doesn’t work: pushing and pushing until you are exhausted, and then giving up and letting the current sweep you back downstream. I know it doesn’t work, cause I lived most of my life that way.Only within the past few years have I realized that it didn’t work, and started looking for a better way. I’ll let you know if I come up with anything!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..New Banners
Good point, Jay… I think that’s a strategy we’ve all used before. I know it’s the way I tried to get everything done when I was in college… forcing everything to be my way. I was determined, forceful and set in my ways, but often oblivious to the needs of those around me or to the fact that a gentle and patient approach would’ve yielded better results. Then I’d get frustrated, disappointed, and just give up.
It’s hard to know when each is called for, but we can be certain that each will be needed at some point. We can’t always force our way, and we can’t always passively let life happen to us.
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Wow. This is the second time today that I have read something about water being gentle and strong. Theres a message there for me. I am learning how to do this. I have needed to be this way for quite some time, but I am finally ready for the lesson.I will actually be practicing this today. Thank you for this post, it has helped me to remember to be strong when I need to and patient when I need to. I hope I have the wisdom to know the difference.
Jill´s last blog ..Stepping back is easy now
wow, Lisis . This is a coincidence. About an hour ago, I thought of the force of water and how even listening to it is therepeutic.
You bring a lovely dimension to it. I have to learn to be strong like water.
On another note there is a book and research on how when blessings in various langauges are blown upon water the molecules become symmetrical and beautiful. Whereas when you say mean things to the water, its becomes distorted. And humans are majority (70 % i think) made up of water.
The book is called The message from water by Masaru Emoto.
The book is reveiwed here, http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp
Flow like water. You can slip through the cracks and break through cement.
I have not yet visited NF, but it is on my list!
Jim Gaudet´s last blog ..iPhone 3Gs | Why get a Blackberry?
It’s raining here for the second day in a row so there’s water everywhere!
I don’t think I learned yet how to be gentle and strong at precisely the right moments. Sometimes I get it right – mainly the gentle side. When I come out strong it tends to be a bit uncontrolled and pushing in the wrong places.
I’m learning though.
Drip by drip
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..Living in denial – but for how long?
Being patient is not easy, but I’ve learned how to unleash my true determination when the time is right. Whether it’s a verbal game of wits with my friends, or just when I’m playing sports, I’ve learned to not rush into the fire. Wait for an opening, take the opportunity and WHAM!!! You just scored your first point.
John´s last blog ..The REAL Secret to Being Patient
Hi Lisis,
Bruce Lee had a similar saying about how we should be like water. It is :
“Don’t get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless – like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Ever since I read that line, I have tried to be like water. Some days are easier than others. That said, nothing is better than learning to go with the flow. Being rigid never does any good.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Sunday Song for September 6, 2009
@ Jill: You DO have the wisdom… I know you do. You are a living example of this right now. Your current post illustrates this idea of knowing when to force your way and when to let go. Water has always been an excellent teacher for me, and endless source of reminders about how life should be.
@ Uzma: Wow! That book sounds amazing! What an interesting concept! This year Hunter and I are studying third grade chemistry… all about molecules and atoms, and how they behave. This sounds like something I NEED to read right now. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
@ Jim: I tell you what… I’ve been to some AMAZING places on this little planet, but Niagara is still one of my favorites. Maybe it’s because I’m partial to water, but the sheer force and volume of water that moves through that “horseshoe” is incredible. Knowing that it has for generations makes it that much more impressive, at least to me. One place I’d like to go and have never been is the Rio Celeste, in Costa Rica. Maybe you could go and tell me what you think!
I had never heard this quote before, Lisis: “Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world.”
I love it. Thank you.
Nate St. Pierre´s last blog ..You And A Friend
@ Ian: I’ve been surrounded by water “issues” lately… water, water everywhere, it seems. I was trying to figure out what it all meant, and several people told me it represented my emotions. Lately they have not been flowing steadily and patiently in one direction, but have been all over the place… trying to find their way. Life is a learning process, a little at a time (drip by drip).
@ John: If I could teach my son only one skill to help him get through life, it would be patience. When you can be patient with yourself, with others, with circumstances, and with life, there is never cause for frustration, anxiety, anger or any of the negative and toxic emotions that ruin your chances for happiness. Patience is certainly worth cultivating.
@ Nadia: I LOVE that Bruce Lee saying. I hadn’t heard that exact one before, but I’ve heard variations of this topic. The contrasting powers of water, and the endless forms it can take, have always appealed to me. As Uzma said, our bodies are 70% water, so it behooves us to learn to make the most of what we are. But some days are definitely easier than others.
@ Nate: You know, when I first read that quote, as I was looking for exactly the right one for this post, I thought about you. I tend to be gentle and follow the natural paths, but need to work on rising up and reshaping the world. As I tried to figure out what that would look like, I instantly was reminded of you. You, my friend, will definitely reshape the world!
HI Lisis,
I remember going to Niagara Falls a few years ago. I was awe struck by the water and immense power of the falls. I felt so small…(great photos!)
Have I learned how to be gentle and strong? Wow, that’s a good question. I think I let certain things happen without a fuss sometimes just because I want people to like me. But, even as recently as this weekend, I’m feeling that I’m learning how to let go and simply be myself. Maybe that’s the hardest thing for me, learning that just being myself is enough.
I’m glad you guys got to go to Niagara!
Thanks for sharing today!
Lori´s last blog ..My Friday Shout Out
What a beautiful message, and I’m glad Jill commented because her journey so far reminds me of water’s traits.
I, too, am often amazed when I see waterfalls – and especially Niagara Falls which is just such a beautiful beast. Powerful, unstoppable, and tenacious.
Have you ever read the accounts of the adventurous folks who went over the falls in a barrel, or tight-roped across at the turn of the 20th century? Amazing…
After reading your post, I can still hear the rush of the falls in my head — that sound is unforgettable. Thanks for sharing this, Lisis!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Our Saviors (Quote from Richard Bach)
Choosing to feel the truth is a step closer to reaching deeper understanding. How a person chooses to interpret what is given determines what a person actually chooses to accept and on which levels. How real something is begins and ends within and yet, so do illusions. Discernment comes through experience and also through raising conscious awareness.
Liara Covert´s last blog ..Why not align with what is?
HI Lisis,
I am finally here….it took me so long…and i kept getting the page cant load sign. But am finally here….says something about my patience and perseverance…;)
This post, your lovely pics and the message of how we should be more like the water….all so wonderful. The amalgamation of the peace thats on your face in the pic and the flow of the water is just priceless. You seem to have already mastered the be gentle and strong. And you are giving me the hope ..that i can get there too. Thank you sweetie.
I read this quote sometime back….and it seemed to help me understand patience amid a storm a little better-
“Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things – with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..What Each Must Seek{Inspirational Quote Of The Week}
Lisis,
Water is such a powerful force. And yet, it’s also such a calm and peaceful trickle too. And I feel life in water. So, I love this. Have I learned to be gentle and strong? Some days, I get it. I think there was something about having children that really helped me with this idea of being both gentle and strong.
And Lisis, I see that on this life adventure you’re on…be the water…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lisis, for me gentle and strong are not dualistic but a choice of alternatives available to me. I can be both and one day I choose to be gentle and then the next time I can choose to be strong.
Strong and force are not the same to me either, I use force when I forget to be patient, I use strength when it is required.
I also have one up on water, I can choose my path, the falls have to stay where they are.
Those water molecules are indeed amazing, the power of our love is beyond belief.
I too love the photos, love Wilma.
wilma ham´s last blog ..Forget unfair and luck, integrity is what counts.
Hi Lisis,
What gorgeous photos. I’ve never been to Niagara Falls, but someday…..
To be gentle but strong would be the ideal, wouldn’t it? Like those who commented before me, some days I do better than on others, but I never give up – just like the falls – always flowing.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Numbers – We Can’t Escape From Them
To be water is great, but in real life, many times we have to accept what the life giveS us and try to be better. To be strong is hard and restricted to a certain room where we can do what we want and get our freedom. Though, we can get joys from gentle way, either strong way.
Water is the perfect symbol for so many virtues: perseverance, tranquility, adaptability, immortality, beauty… it’s fitting that it is the crucial ingredient for life on earth. It creates such a captivating spectacle too. I can’t look at the ocean without being calmed, and waterfalls can make people stare for hours. I love water, it really means a lot to me.
David Cain´s last blog ..How to Make a Life List You’ll Actually Do: A Comprehensive Guide
Wasn’t Niagara just beautiful? I was there early August and was able to form the exact thoughts that you had with your experience. It’s amazing to me how I could meet someone else who could accurately express the same feelings and thoughts like I can.
But yeah, I felt the intense aliveness when I stood right in front of the waterfall on the Maid of the Mist boat. With water sprinkling all over my body, I closed my eyes and was able to fully absorb the present moment. The little fat 10 year-old boy – which I once was – came out of me again. It was so fun!
The best part of it all was that I was able to witness how massive and powerful water could be.
In Dr. Wayne Dyer’s “Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life”, he dedicates one entire chapter into living with the flow, like water. He says, “it does not seek the high spots to be above it all, but settles for the lowest places. It gathers into rivers, lakes, and streams; courses to the sea; and then evaporates to fall again as rain. it maps out nothing and it plays no favorites: it doesn’t intend to provide sustenance to the animals and plants. It has no plans to irrigate the fields; to slake our thirst, or to provide the opportunity to swim. These are the benefits that come NATURALLY from water simply doing what it does and BEING what it is”.
Basically, put your ego in check and whether you’re dealing with Jay Z or the homeless man next to him. treat both the same – just like how water chooses no favorites.
And to answer your question about being gentle, I have to say that I try my best to. There are times whenever my visions of materialistic possessions- the big house, nice cars, fancy sceneries – dominate my thoughts, which then causes me to panic and then forces me to make things happen. So hopefully though meditation and by being consciously aware of the present moment, I can remember to live the paradox of having desire and being desire-less both at the same time, to Just to let life flow as it is…
Wow, you guys are really amazing. Such beautiful thoughts, so much awareness… I’m just humbled and incredibly inspired.
I had already been thinking a LOT about water (as many of you know), and felt moved to share that here. Now I feel even more certain that it holds a special meaning for me… and apparently for many of us!
Andrew, that passage you shared from Dr. Wayne Dyer is beautiful!!! It is exactly how I feel about water… and life… and how to be the best possible me. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention!!!
Thank you ALL for sharing your thoughts with me.
I’m so glad someone linked to Masaru Emoto’s work, it is absolutely fascinating. Water is really the essence of our physicals, and reflects so many vibrations. And I love your reflections on the power and fluidity of water. Spending so much time in the southwest by the Grand Canyon and other canyons has really made me awestruck by it power. As for your question, I think the ‘wisdom to know the difference’ part is what I am still really working on! This was a big lesson for me in martial arts too – using just enough pressure, at just the right moment. Too much, or ill-timed, never works. But I think finding that timing is partly about being in the flow – if I think it out too much, it never works.
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..LOVE- The Story of a Life, of Any Life
Hey, Lisa! I am so excited about Emoto’s work. I can’t wait to read his “Hidden Messages from Water” book! The photo comparison totally baffled me. I had always heard that we are 70% water, but thought, “OK… so what?” Well, SEEING how water reacts to all the different vibes, ideas, thoughts, music, etc., all of a sudden I’m thinking, most of ME is actually water molecules that “think” and “feel” and “react”! That’s kind of insane, really. I mean, awesomely amazing!
Your final line there reminded me of the movie Kung Fu Panda, when Master Shifu tells the Panda, “When you focus on Kung Fu… you SUCK.” It’s definitely all about finding that flow without trying or concentrating too much.
My parents always told me: “Don’t settle for anything less than the best.”
So growing up, I certainly learned to be both patient and resourceful yet extremely determined to give life my 100% and then some
By the way, awesome photos!
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog ..Building A Good Writing Habit
Funny thing is I lived in MI for 53 years and never saw Niagra Falls! I just may have to go next time I visit. A great photo of you and your son! Wow.
In answer to your question: yes.
I had learned to be this way
When I grew up 1 of 10 children. (6 from the top)
When I got pregnant at 17, married my boyfriend who had $1 in his pocket
When I was 22 with 4 little girls and very little outside help
When one of the twins (third prgnancy) was born without most of one hand
When I wanted to throw in the towel but sought out a therapist instead
Jump ahead 30 years ( I don’t want to bore you!)
When my husband (aforementioned boyfriend) lost his job 6 months ago.
I know that life goes on and this too shall pass
I know what’s important to me and what is not
I’m strong, healthy and blessed.
And on my way to see Niagra Falls!
@ Ricardo: Welcome to Quest for Balance! Sounds like you had some fantastic parents that got you well on your way in life!
@ Tess: You, young lady, could NEVER bore me. In fact, you always blow me away with your life stories! I can’t get over ANY of the points you mentioned here, and I’m sure that’s barely scratching the surface! As long as you are “strong, healthy and blessed” you have everything you need.
Having said that… you DEFINITELY need to see Niagara!
Heya Lisis!
Totally cool pictures!
I found myself wondering how many cubic meters of water pass a certain point in that waterfall per second. Must be Humongous!
Amazing that you are experiencing these cool travels
We have the Victoria Waterfalls nearby South Africa, so those are on my list to visit!
Have an awesome day!
Diggy – Upgradereality.com´s last blog ..The Timing is Never Right
Hi Lisis! I love that you had this experience at Niagara – great fun for all of you! And then to follow it up with this beautiful post on water – ahhhh, I am so loving this!
Nadia and David both said my thoughts out loud in their comments. So many other wonderful comments as well! And we are composed of more water than any other element! It should be easy for us to be the water – we already are! Therein lies the rub. It is too simple and for some silly reason we tend to fight the simple and get all gunked up with creative interpretations of life.
I loved this post. I am the water – thank you for this!
suzen´s last blog ..Neurotic, Normal, or No Limits?
Hi Lisis
That is awesome! It seems you are in my neck of the woods! I am always grateful that I get to enjoy this amazing and beautiful wonder of nature with just a short drive away!
I first learned about water and how it relates to life thanks to Dr. Wayne Dyer. In the book where he talks about the TAO, I got an understanding so profound of water, that since it has been a transformational journey for me with just this piece in play.
So yes, strong, yet gentle, that is what I keep in the back of my head each day. And just like water escapes when we hold onto it too tightly, I have learned to flow through life, instead of holding onto things too tightly.
Evita´s last blog ..Akashic Record Reading With Akemi Gaines
I think gentle and strong actually aren’t dualities. Not if they come from a complete place of love. At one point in my life I experienced this for the first time and was in tears of awe. I had to be honest (and set a boundary) with someone I loved deeply and the love that welled up in me was so overpowering and tender that I saw for the first time in my life that being forceful or setting clear boundaries could actually be one of the most profound acts of love.
So it was no longer “being forceful with love”, but simply LOVE. It was ALL just love. So when we are in a a complete place of love that is ALL we feel, and we become fearless and feel only compassion.
I really don’t have words to explain this further, but for me at the time to confront this person not longer became an act of boldness and confrontation or taking a stand, WITH gentleness and love. It just became a selfless act of love. To act with love and respect toward this person meant being totally honest with them. I knew they might not want to hear what I had to tell them, but to not say it was to treat them as if they were not worthy of my honesty or my time or my insight.
Well, my new friend, I hope some of the makes sense. This is a lovely powerful post. When I was a child I stood at the railing of these great falls and I NEVER forgot it.
Robin Easton´s last blog ..Dare to Take Risks
Water is such a powerful force. And yet, it’s also such a calm and peaceful trickle too. And I feel life in water. So, I love this. Have I learned to be gentle and strong? Some days, I get it. I think there was something about having children that really helped me with this idea of being both gentle and strong.