I just returned from my annual retreat to Northern Minnesota. Since I was a child, I've been traveling to the lakes and north shores of Minnesota. Fresh air, cool nights, untamed forests, and the surprise of nature always nurture me.
This was my annual stop to the Mississippi headwaters. It is where the Lake Itasca pours into the beginnings of the great Mississippi River before it makes its winding path down the path of Minnesota to Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at the base of New Orleans, Louisianna. As I walked across the waters of the mighty Mississippi, I reflected upon its journey from where I am standing today, pondering how long it would take the water gushing over my feet to meet the Gulf of Mexico. The best estimate is it takes about three months for water that leaves Lake Itasca, the river's source, to reach the Gulf of Mexico.
I'd asked the group to put their wishes into the water for what might grow ahead for them: love, new, better, or different careers, peace, happiness, relationships, wisdom, knowledge, or more. The beginnings of dreams and plans to grow. I let the mighty Mississippi take these hopes, wishes, dreams, and prayers in water form to the Gulf.
This is always a magical stop for me. This quietness and the hope of potential. A pause time for the group to sit by the water and engage with the natural flow of nature. I watched a mallard duck swim towards the group, her hidden legs beneath the water paddling quickly while above water, the ease of her breast cutting a V-pattern in the water as she glided gracefully towards the group that was now mesmerized by her lack of fear, and her focus of a path. She stood just offshore on a submerged rock; symbolizing being supported by Mother Earth. We watched her flex and bend as she stretched and bathed. She extended her wings, then settled back into her bathing ritual, unfathomed by the gathering group watching her beauty. She remained focused. We remained mesmerized by her focus.
Today, we walked away with messages of the river. Go with the flow. Small things can multiply into significant things. You never know what great event might be around the next bend. Don't let rocks and debris get in your way; move around it. Enjoy the journey. A great thing takes time. Take a leap of faith, jump in, and go… and much more.
We discussed the messages of the mallard. Work hard and go. Where others may not see you working hard, just maintain your focus and grace and keep going. Know that you are always supported – Mother Earth has you, and the flow of life or the river will help you remain in the flow of life. Don't be bothered by gawkers; keep doing your thing. Don't be fearful of doing your own thing. Stand up and stretch sometimes, flap your wings, prim, and show your beauty…. And much more.
The learnings and teachings of nature when you pause and observe.
Allow yourself to connect and just be.
I hope you find rest, peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation in nature. Nature does nurture, and sometimes, we have to make that a priority.
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