Thursday, September 10, 2009

Drift or Paddle

If you are in a canoe going downstream, you can paddle, or you can just drift. At first glance, drifting may seem to make more sense, either way you are going to go down the stream, paddling just takes more energy. If, however, you choose to paddle you can avoid obstacles, keep from spilling out of your canoe, choose whether to go upstream or downstream, and pull over to the bank whenever you want.

The last few days, I feel as though I've been drifting, allowing myself to be pushed around by the current. It's time to pick up the paddle again.

2 comments:

  1. There are places in every stream where it is safe to put down the paddle, even abandon the boat, and just float, face turned toward the sky.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a rescue swimmer, we were aclimated to swimming long periods under very stressful conditions. You naturally became experienced in energy conservation. One of the methods I learned in long distance swimming is the stroke and glide. A powerful full body thrust ending in a streamlined body structure and then allowing yourself to glide through the water while your body rested. Bruce Lee might say it was movement without moving. I say, if the current takes you where you will, allow it and conserve your strength to go the distance.

    ReplyDelete