An experience that almost defies words
Words may be the cheapest commodity on earth, but nevertheless they can make themselves miserable in putting together right. Some experiences do not lend themselves readily to verbal description. We need telepathy. Maybe if I started the rumor that telepathy eases off global warming...?
Last Monday found me with free time - to write, think, or run, as the water is too low to even mention kayaking. So I opted for a long run (for me, that is) of approx. ten miles. I went down to the River through the park behind our home and across the Skway Indian reservation. Cool and peaceful under partially cloudy skies with a light wind from the east.
There isn't much difference being on the banks of the River or being on the water when it's peaceful. I stood for a while on the breakwater rocks (bank protection) and just let my mind wander as I skimmed the River and all those shores I do not usually get to see. I saw the usual array of ducks, gulls and eagles. Small birds, probably kinglets chattered in tall cottonwoods and song sparrows scolded in the tangled mess of blackberry bushes and wild grasses of late winter. A light east breeze was blowing, rustling a few remaining dried-up leaves. All of it heart-stopping beautiful and sad also. Winter (such as it is here) tightening its grip before the harpsong of Spring and new life.
We've been friends for many years, the River and I, and we talk to each other. Mostly we thank one-another for mutual understanding. I've never complained about her ways and she's been very obliging of my many mistakes in canoes and kayaks riding her choppy waves, not to mention the uncertain beginnings of swims in her moody currents. I've never taken her for granted and respect her place in the scheme of things.
I realized I'd never taken the time to assess how much I've learned along these shores; how many friends I've made over years spent out there alone in sun, wind and rain - and even at times, snow! It has been a pleasure and privilege that nothing else could have provided.
I ran for a couple of miles southward, on the east side parallel to the River. Chilliwack Mountain, not much more than a hill by our standards seemed to loom high in the low winter sun as the path I followed dwindled into brush and muck. There is an aggregate mining operation in this area and I decided to go through it on the off chance I could navigate bad private roads, gravel bars, deep ground cuts and water channels back to "civilization." As I said, the water is low, so it was possible. I ran through the old part of the mine, between two ponds half-full of water from which gravel had been extracted over the years.
In the east, straight ahead as I ran, rose Mount Cheam and her retinue, a short range of sharp, rocky peaks. The highest peaks are covered with a gossamer coat of winter snow. Precipitation is still abnormally low this year and likely there won't be much of a run-off come spring. Because of the wind the air was clear and the detail in the contrast of snow drifts and stark blue-black rock was breath-taking. In the south-west, the low sun was crowned by a beautiful ring.
Halfway through my run of the open-pit mine I felt a change of energy. I was being watched, but not by people; not even by those non-Earthians I'm so familiar with. This was God. There is no mistaking "that" presence. I'm speaking of that specific Earthian "God" just about everybody on this world claims to believe "in" some way or other.
As you all know, I don't believe "IN" God. There is a simple reason for that: you don't need to believe "in" what you experientially know to be true , real, or are personally acquainted with. I could see the need to have faith, say, in Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but God? The most talked about being on Earth? Why? If He's as real as billions claim, where's the need for faith; for "believing in?" Turns out, yes, He's as real as they all say.
Another problem of faith is, if you believe in something, or someone, you can easily take it for granted. You can have expectations of whatever it is you believe in: you believe and "it" delivers. That's what "faith" and "hope" are for. "Faith is the evidence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for." (Book of Hebrews - the Bible)
So there I am, running through this man-made hell and God shows up. "It's my day off" I say. "I know that" He replies. "I'm not here to check up on you or ask for anything, I just enjoy being near someone who carries that much joy and doesn't get thrown off balance by the contrast between the beauty of river and mountains and this. I wanted to thank you and tell you I like what you are doing - if it matters. You were saying to yourself that you've never taken the River for granted. I want to tell you that you've never taken me for granted either, even in those times when we had our most serious problems--especially in those times. That pleases me more than you could guess."
I continued running and listening but I could feel his energy dissipating. I was left alone, in my own joy at all of it. In a kind of awe and wonder. If this is crazy, I'll take crazy any day. But it isn't. I know that such a state comes, not from being "one with everything" or from being immersed in meditation. It comes from being in the contemplative state. Where you are fully aware of every part of yourself as a complete individual interacting with everything else compassionately. Where you feel everything without denial or avoidance. You are aware of every peak, above and below the flat line.
I may have more to write on the subject of contemplation. A very deep subject.
And no, this is not the beginning of a book of conversations with God! Enough has certainly been said on that. This is just a few words about two individuals who happen to cross paths between two roads periodically.
Just another day in the life... Be well,
Sha'Tara
A striking and encompassing story you tell! I have no doubt the LORD speaks to you, mon ami!
Love&Blessings, Rhonda
I love the talk with God
And he has a special way of finding us when
And where we least expect Him
Great poetic thoughts and very
Inspirational!!
Love And Peace to You..Morning Star
Best regards,
Leland
Peace and love
Lena
Peace. Joyce
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
ann
I Have 19 Little Children Talk To Me After All These Years I Simply Had To Say SHUT THE F--K Up.i.e. Now They're More Helpful Like Remind Me: Check Oil In Vette, Don't Forget $ Buy Stamps, Call Tom_
Ya See Its All In Your Mind Just What You Want To Listen Too...
Unique Different Write Regis...
PS: Yep -Even Evil Voices & Eil Spirits To In Your Dreams Even In Seams-Simply Say:
SATAN BE GONE -EVIL BE Gone --I Sleep In Peace Because I Tell My Self I Will Only Have Beautiful Psychic Dreams...
TRASK
Rebecca
Rose
~hugs~
Karen
Outstanding.
Love and harmony,
Susan
~Carole
Love Tinka
in your thoughts of the river
and your experience with nature.
thanks for sharing Regis...
Fee
George
Went right along by your side.
Elizabeth
Your well chosen words actually defy the experience!
tom.
debby
Nice work Reg....enjoyed this read.....Art Sun...