Who knows the lyrics to this song by Otis Redding?  It’s a classic and describes the peace and power of reflection and insight that occur at the water’s edge “watching the tide go by”…

Recently, we went down to the Willamette River in St. Johns, Portland. As we listened to the birds, we quietly watched the movement of the water go by.  At first, it seemed our minds were pretty scattered, frenetic, ever-busy thinking about stuff; past, present, and future. Pondering things, which in the bigger scheme of life probably don’t really matter. 

But watching water quickly puts us in our place! 

The flow of water is so present and continuous, that it encourages us to be in the moment, to be mindful.  Unencumbered, undeterred, water keeps moving, oblivious to boulders that impede its current.  The journey of the water doesn’t seem to end.  It’s a universal message, and everything else seems small in contrast to the dynamic movement and power of the river.

It’s a powerful lesson, a reminder from Nature.

Our busy minds that plan incessantly and focus on minutia, may be missing the totality of the journey.  The goal is often reached through baby steps that move one forward, without getting bogged down and locked into the details and processes that may even make us forget about the direction we are going.

The river can offer us some lessons.  Here are a few to consider:

1. Literally take a walk and sit by the side of the river or any body of water and just watch the flow.  Think of that flow in the context of the project or activity you are working on.

2. Notice the boulders or barriers you encounter in your day and explore how you can “flow “ around them without feeling stopped, just like the river.

3. Keep the destination in mind, and don’t overwork tasks – make sure momentum keeps pulling you towards the end goal.

The lyrics of this melody are deep on many levels.  Close your eyes and listen to his voice.

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away.
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time.

Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah

Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes