Rowing Sunrise Reflection
Rowing Sunrise Reflection
by Andrew Simpson with music by Luke Owsley
Take a few minutes to celebrate today by listening to and/or reading this reflection below.
The purpose of this reflection is create space for you to relax and rejoice.
Pause and observe the two racing sculls in this photo – gliding on a still river as the sun rises.
Imagine for a moment that you are in one of these boats:
Listen to your oars as they feather effortlessly atop the water
Feel your blades dip into the river and propel your boat
Pause and watch yourself move magically as a new day dawns
While flowing peacefully along, pay attention to your breathing. In, out...In, out…In, out.
Accept the river’s warm, compassionate invitation for you to relax. As you row, let go of any tensions that are showing up in your body. What is making you tense up?
Perhaps…an issue getting you high strung, a relationship tying you up in knots, a paralyzing loss, a path ahead fraught with fear, many tasks weighing you down…Name anything that is keeping you from relaxing today.
Let your boat come to a complete stop and yield to the calm of the river. Observe the still water mirror a majestic morning. See the bright sunlight dance on the glassy surface. Feel the warm embrace of dawn. Listen to the ornate Eastern Box Turtle as he splashes about. Notice the brilliant white Great Egret as she watches you from an overhanging limb - then take off and wave at you with her wings.
As you breathe in the freshness of nature around you, take a moment to reflect. What are you thankful for today? What makes your heart glad as you enter this new day?
Let gratitude go with you as you resume rowing. Feather your blades gracefully along – arms extended bowing forward. Dip your oars then push powerfully with your legs. Pause as you lean back - witnessing your boat glide into a glorious new day. Feel your body and the boat move together in perfect rhythm while listening to this song – “This is the Day”:
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made
I will be rejoice, I will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made
As you approach shore, continue your day with a light and glad heart! May the peaceful river go with you today...