Finding Mother Nature in the River

If you’ve been around here long, you probably have some idea of how much I love being near water.

Especially rivers.

But after enjoying rivers for most of my life, it wasn’t until this past year that I learned why. 

My husband and I were on a kayaking trip on the Eleven Point River early last fall - and it was especially peaceful. We were basically alone on the river - and the weather was gorgeous. 

One afternoon, just before we reached our camp for the night, I found myself surrounded by a deep pool of water filled with gentle riffles. One of those spots where you don’t need to paddle because the river carries you along. 

I was mesmerized and spent several moments just staring into the water.

In the weeks leading up to this trip, I had been feeling down. Maybe even a bit depressed.

But in this moment on the water, I felt such a deep sense comfort and relief - and, honestly - like I could cry.

Not in a sad or desperate way, but like I was releasing feelings that had been stuck in my body. 

I was so curious about this experience, and when I returned home, I did some reading and found that there have actually been scientific studies published about how blue spaces - namely rivers and other large bodies of water - have a healing effect on our nervous systems. 

Similar to the relief a crying baby feels when her mother picks her up to comfort her.

The rocking of the water simulating being rocked by a nurturing caregiver. 

That’s when I realized… Mother Nature is literally our mother.

How amazing is that?!?

I love telling this story during my Flute Journey Concert as an introduction to this piece, In Search of Aquatic Life, by Jonathan Mitchell - and sharing the gorgeous kayaking footage from that day while I play.

The video below is dedicated to all of you out there who - like me - search for and find the comforting arms of mother nature.